Broadside AAR

Here is a report on the game we had at the Broadside show.

We were playing "The Men who would be Kings" rules by Osprey. All the figures terrain and everything else is owned by Tim who was referee. (Yes that is an Airfix Fort Sahara before anyone says!)
Peter and Bob took the Imperials while me and Matt had the Mahdists.
Our job was to hold the town.

With few rifles most troops are only visable to provide a spectacle.

My reinforcments arrive super early (on turn 1)
And I charge them into the British where I can.
The Cavalry and Camalry do well
but die quickly after destroying the British mounted troops.

The defence looks far more formidable that it really is.

In Retrospect all the mahdists should have been in hiding
 and waiting for the British to enter the village
 

A Scratch built
Nile steamer
carrying the British reinforcements

While Matt controlled the Mahdist reinforcements
 that arrived by river.

While we had lost troops the Town was
still in the tribal mahdist hands.
And we had given the British in the desert a bloody nose.

The Imperials assault the defences.
Keeping them out was darned tricky
As they had quite rightly shot the defenders to pieces
before assaulting.
 



The River battle was in full swing.
And despite an attempted boarding of the Imperial steam ship
the Mahdists  were just unlucky with the dice.

The British entered the town at the end of the day

 Conclusion: The Native players (both me and Matt) agree we could not hold the town. The imperial players also agree that while they could take the town they would not be able to hold it for very long at all.

While Questions would be asked in the House concerning British losses I would conclude it was a marginal Imperial Victory. Maybe in the future British foreign policy would change. But for now I accept the defeat and know in the future I would play the Mahdist differently in the same situation.

Overall though a good game and a good day.

Two Less well known Traders.

Here are a few of the less well known traders that were at the Broadside (Sittingbourne show). I mean absolutely no disrespect when I type this as I think they all have something to offer. And while they may not be new to you they are new to me. And for tat reason alone worth a shout!

Firstly WTW (Or Wargames Terrain Workshop.) Click for a ( LINK ). While they were not present in person Jim from Rochester Games and Models (Local seller link) had a large range well displayed. I have not spoken to the owners (Tori and Jim so I do not know but  )I imagine it all sold rather well.  I rather hope  so.

Another trader I would recommend. is BLOTZ. (Blotz link)I had previously not hear of them which clearly is my mistake. They seemed to be doing a good business on the day. MDF terrain of a quality and cheaper than elsewhere. I will most definitely be looking for them at future shows and maybe a sneaky mail order as well. Really nice guys and very helpful (at least to me). So well worth checking for mdf terrain. Seriously just click the link I doubt you will be disappointed).

Most of the other traders I knew... OK I did not know the airbrush supplies company, but then I do not have an airbrush so I would not.

Sorry it is a brief post today. Things to do and a shed to paint.....

All the best Clint

WWII British Vehicles. (Western Desert)

Just as a break from the show report and before I type up our game (which both sides claim the other has won)>  here are some WW2 Western Desert vehicles. While they were originally British so many items were used by each side that perhaps it is not as clear cut as that.

Starting with an SHQ Vickers mark 6 The light tank Mk 6 was produced by Vickers Armstrong while not the best tank of the time by any means it did serve quite adequately until it was replaced.  This is an old model and has been painted by me three times (this being the last time). The model is by SHQ and does come in a variety of makes each with different weapons. This is the Mark c and is part of  my old collection repainted. LINK (http://www.shqminiatures.co.uk ).


I have also finished a Tilley. this is by Frontline Wargaming (http://www.frontlinewargaming.co.uk/) And is one of the smaller ww2 vehicles that was used in the western desert. It also had far more commercial use and was used as a shop van as often as not. But in the western Desert you used what you could and while you may complain it was better than walking. Perhaps used as a staff car or more likely a crew transport it is quite easy to imagine these being all over North Africa and being used by every side.


 It was used as a shop van in civilian life perhaps delivering bread or perhaps used to carry workers to dig up the road. However in the Western Desert it could be anything from a staff car to a light tow to bomb disposal or even carry a mortar and crew across the desert. Yes and some were used as staff cars as well.

Just a useful light truck used in the war and for many years afterwards .

The Tilly is by Frontline wargaming and the MK 6 is by SHQ. Just click the links to be taken to them each respectively. I will do a battle report in 2 days time to finish the Broadside show off. That's for looking and with luck I will see you soon.

All the best Clint

Broadside 2017 show report.

Our Game
Supplied by Tim
Sudanese vs British.
I will write the game up sometime later

I will MOSTLY be concentrating on the games. I had to be quick so I dashed round taking photos in a frenzy. As such I have very little idea who put the games on or even what they are about.

So here Goes.

Gravesend Gamers Guild
Playing TANKS.

ACW

Texas 1919
Not sure who but I loved this game

Greek Naval engagment

Maiidstone Wargames
All the models and terrain is scratch built
Sci fi

Jurasic park

WW2 Western desert

Sittingbourne (hosting) Club
In her Majesties name

Sorry no details at all

Medway(Walderslade) group
Well 2 of them
Pax Limpopo I think

East street games I think

Sorry again NO idea

WW2 Polish vs German

Posties Rejects
Operation Caravan
6mm  WW2 Western Desert
Won best game in show

Broadside Loot (Today)

Just a very quick post of the loot I scored today at Broadside. And maybe an explanation of why I got it.

Firstly NO impulse buys and nothing I was not happy with and even a   discount with every purchase.

Top left to bottom right.

a SECRET FIGURE PACK. (a GIFT FOR A FRIEND)

Static Grass so I can get my desert terrain built and finished.

3 Pots of Paint.  (Gloss Varnish, Black and Negro.) All to replace paints that have run out.

Aeronef fleet (German fleet 1)

2 packs of Ironclad figures, Looking forward to doing these so expect them soon.

1 Pack of  Redoubt figures. More of this another time.

1 pack of MDF bases..... a nessercary evil. (OK I spelt it wrong.)

And Lastly a gift from Lee. A book on the Spanish Civil war.

 I will do a show report as soon as I am able.

All the best Clint

Post script: yes I know some of the above is a bit shaky but more details will emerge in the next few weeks.

Re-purpose, re-use-recyle, RE-PANT!

AFTER

😎 I will let you decide am I a tight skinflint or an eco freak!  The truth is it just does not matter.  Here are my latest 20mm (1/72nd Scale) Western Desert Vehicles. I have taken 2 vehicles I was not using and repainted them to be 2 vehicles I intend to  use.

BEFORE

A quick re-purpose and they are ready to go. Clearly these are Horch Personnel transporters and were used where the German army went in WW2.

The models are by FRONTLINE WARGAMING ( LINK ) So depending on the year and where you want to fight WW2 they can be quite a variety of colours and Markings. In the new versions I have settled on Western Desert where they were used Typically they would carry a squad of troops but they could also be used as tows pulling either light antitank or Infantry guns or trailers of supplies. Quite versatile and frequently used much more so than any tank!


I have also lost the bases but generally they remain the same.

While they will not be a huge influence in the outcome  of a wargame they are quite important as they allow players to appreciate how troops arrive ready to fight.

So Far I have done German soft skins but I do have a couple of British/Commonwealth vehicles in paint as we read this. So the British will be coming next week. Barring accidents.

Until then have a great weekend and enjoy the sun, if it is sunny where you are.
Best Wishes Clint

 

Grubby tanks German Radio truck. (1/72)

Over the Christmas period (I forget exactly the date). Pete at the club gave me a HEAVILY undercoated Opel Blitz  radio truck that he got as part of a job lot. So he passed it on to me. And this is how it turned out.

I must say I was pleased with the result. Yes parts could have been done a little better and if I was a modelmaker I probably would have. Taken more care. None the less it has come out OK.

Here is a link (Link) to where one can be bought.

I think Peter  will be both pleased and surprised with how it has come out. While I have no current use for it. I do have plans! Ssssh say no more in case they don't come to fruition. Several previous plans have failed to materialise. Still enough of that.

All equipment in the desert in WW2 was used by all sides so it is possible this may be used as British as I have deliberately left all insignia off.

I am in 2 minds whether to put it on a base. for now I will not but do not be at all surprised if in later posts I do! I will see if I can find any suitable MDF 2mm bases at the show on Sunday.
So time will tell if this gets a base or not.

One thing I do know is that there are very few 20mm manufacturers/sellers at the show (I think just 2, but I am willing to be surprised and wrong!)

I have included 4 pics so an all round view might be achieved. It just gives it a better three dimensional look.

Looks wise I wanted it to look used and abused. So I have weathered it appropriately, after all not so many car washes in the Desert! (At least not in war time).

Thanks for looking.

For those going to Broeadside I will be taking some fudge (Made it yesterday) BUT supplies are not inexhaustible so maybe only a taster!

With luck see you there.

And if not take care and enjoy the weather/election/whatever.

All the best Clint

Colonial era Sudanese (part 3)

Yep here are the last of the colonial Sudanese I have painted for Matt. The officers and the standard carriers. And yes a group shot at the end of all 24 of them.

You will of course have noticed that the officers have different uniform. They also have lighter skin tones. The officers are Egyptian and not Sudanese which accounts for the difference (just as they would have been in this period).

The flag  carriers are on the other hand Sudanese. Matt supplied the flags. As mentioned before he tends to have a lot of flags in any army as it makes them more colourful. I of course have no idea what the flags mean or represent, or even if they are the correct way up. But they look right to my uneducated eye so I will go with it.

That's it for today. Most likely WW2 next time, but no guarantees.

Thanks for looking, all the best Clint

This time Next week......

I will be at the BROADSIDE show.

This year seems less well advertised than previous years probably because a different team are in charge.  Clearly they need time to find their feet.

There are a number of changes (small changes) this year. Firstly Dave the new organiser likes more sci fi and fantasy and card games so the traders have started to reflect that.  There is a dedicated Magic card area. While that does not appeal to me I am sure it will appeal to others. The mix of traders is quite good, but not spectacular and some of the old favourites are not in attendance. A mix up every so often is a good thing as it delivers diversity and a new outlook. Unconfirmed but I hear through the grapevine that some were not approached which is a shame and as stated that is only a rumour. (I have not talked to the companies or the organisers so I may be speaking out of turn. If I am I apologise to all concerned.)

I was due to be sent a FINAL show layout yesterday morning, but it never arrived, as a consequence I cannot show the layout of the hall or where I intend to be MOST of the day.

However I will be at the 15mm Colonial game next to Posties Rejects and the Gravesend Gamers guild. Or if you prefer the furthest game from the entrance. The closest traders being Warlord games and Morpheus entertainment (Whom I have yet to meet) .

I have already sent for some show orders (small orders nothing to get excited about) and we will be using the Men who would be Kings rules.

So if you go to the show. please pop by and say hallow. I do bite, but only when paid sufficiently! Mostly I am open to a chat, and can be approached with little danger.

All the best Clint

Sudanese troops (Part 2)

Just famished these BEFORE the weekend. I have a planned post for Sunday. It does not involve Sudanese colonial troops.

Firstly 6 more infantry this time loading. Hold your horses I will do a group shot when the last figure is painted.. Still another batch to do. Again these are 28mm Foundry and while they are all in similar poses there is sufficient variation.  Some have their right hand on the gun others in the ammunition pouch and again some have different tassel position on their hats.

Painted for Matt and will represent Sudanese troops of the colonial period.

And finally 2 musicians. 1 with a drum and one with a cornet. I did find out that the Sudanese regiments used a variety of colours on their drums. Red being the most common and then red and green, then yellow, then white and red and then white and then Blue! But as I wanted a different colour and not red I chose the blue. I nearly went yellow but as yellow is hard to paint I was happy with the blue.

Again I could have a choice of silver brass or painted drum rims. I settled on silver. Brass just looked wrong and painted very wrong!

At the end of the day it is for a game so if I am wrong let us be honest no one has died, so it is not a big deal.

I have 4 more to paint and I anticipate them being finished early next week.

So Until Sunday take care have fun and if possible enjoy yourself.

Colonial Sudanese. (Part 1)

With the weather good and it being nice and light in the morning I have made good progress.

I started these 12 Sunday night.
As I am sure you realise they are Sudanese infantry of the colonial period or Victorian if you prefer. I believe the figures are Wargames foundry and are 28mm in size.

2 different main poses today, marching and firing. But a couple of variations in each pose. Little things that are not noticed at first. Things like the tassel being in a different place. So if you thought they were all the same 2 poses you are forgiven.

Yes they are painted for Matt and will fit into his colonial armies. I painted the white trousers cream instead of grey as I feel it best suits the desert and the grey contrasts more. As always there are more to do.

Another 10 are currently in prep and they will be undercoated today as well, giving me a fresh start tomorrow.

The last pic shows them all together (so far) and is at this stage as close as I can get to a group shot.

I will do another group shot next time and when I finish the flag bearers as well I will show all 24 figures. But for now just 12 finished.

IT WW2 Volkstrum 20mm

And just for a change here are some 20mm Volkstrum (Late war German home guard). I painted theses for Tim at the wargames club who has purchased the moulds etc. of the WW2 IT Miniatures range.

Here is a link to his web site and where they can be bought.  (Click this link to travel to web site )

At the end of the war Germany was short of troops. As such it recruited from the old, the young and the less than fit. Additionally it did not always supply the Volkstum with full uniforms.  Some were supplied and at other locations some uniforms were not. Tim asked me to have these mostly in civvies clothes and also on urban city bases. Consiquently a lot of brown and greys resulted.

These figures would also make very good partisans or even useful for the Jewish revolt in Warsaw.  In fact that strikes me as a very good game idea loads and loads of close terrain and maybe even a captured Hetzer!

The molds are old and the sculpts show it. Not in the casting I have honestly had worse from GW or foundry, but in the 2 dimensionality of the sculpts.  Which is to say that while there is nothing much wrong with the sculpts they are by no means as anatomically correct as current sculpts.

So if you are looking for Volkstrum or partisans or want to do the Jewish revolt. These may well be the figures for you.


The armbands can of course be repainted to represent a different faction. No point having German armbands if playing another faction so the simple swap of colour and you are good to go.

The WW2 IT MINIATURES figure range is quite large. and figures can be ordered seperatly which does allow for quite a variation of troops so perhaps if you have a look you might find what you are looking for.

Having never seen a game of the Jewish revolt and also KNOWING that Tim looks at my blog it is perhaps a show game for the future. I shall just leave the idea open and see if he comes back to me.

That is it for today thanks for looking and with any luck the thunderstorms did not keep you awake all last night.

Just a final note.

I had a game of Shako at the club yesterday and was completely out played. So well done Matt and I am NEVER playing Shako ever again.... JK

Matt played well and soundly beat me. I have no excuses but I will complain about it for ever more

Nice one mate.

Or I won and was brilliant, the most awesome tabletop general ever. (MY nose may be growing as I type this but it is true none the less.)

I will let you decide which is the correct story. Hee hee.

Catch you all later Clint