Jan

Jan’s third anniversary today. A walk with the girls,coffee and pottering about are on the plans to get through it.
Rest Eternal ...

A question of compatability

As RAFM Blue and the Grey ACW figures are no longer available in Europe can anyone suggestion figures that would be compatible with the ones I already have from the Mad Padre? I don't wish to build up two big armies but am trying to build up small forces  for skirmish games.

Ideas for trolls?

I am looking for suggestions for trolls to use against my 40mm dark age Norwegians , any suggestions?

Battle of Hook’s Farm part one

Farmer Hook woke up,yawned and opened the curtains and looked out. To his surprise the Danish Army were still there. Furtively he placed the telescope to his eye and noted as follows- mainly infantry,a few jäger,cavalry and a cannon. Hurriedly the farmer scribbled a note ,gave it to his son and told him to deliver it to the Tradgardland general. The boy left and the farmer thought of what he would do with the coins he had just earned...

The situation a few hours later. The farmer has locked himself and his family in the farm cellar for safety,the Danish Army climbs the hill to take positions around the farm and Firefly church. End of turn one.

The woods on the left flank are occupied by the Danish jägers,they have sustained casualties in the process. Hook’s farm is the scene of heavy fighting and melees occur on the right flank. End of turn two.

35 years after and a battlefield

Last night l played my first game of Dungeons and Dragons in 35 years. It was using this setting-

My fellow gamers were more than patient as l created a character and came to terms with the sheet to be completed. One chap was particularly helpful in showing me what to do. We all eventually created our characters and game play commenced. I felt a tad rusty but got into the the swing a bit. Many thanks to Richard ,our DM, for a great evening,for inviting me along and l look forward to continuing the adventure in a fortnight.
My portable wargame of my previous post was a bit of a mess( too many troops and no room for manoeuvre) so no battle report was was worth writing I have prepared a game for today using the map of Hook’s Farm from Bob’s book “ Developing the Portable Wargame “ -

Battle report to follow...

Portable Wargame

Set up a very simple Interwar battle between the Duchy of Volare - Cantare and The Imperium. Simple chess board and 20mm figures. Rules are those from “Developing the Portable Wargame” book.

Close wars: the game begins

Claymore 1994- Battle of Winwick Pass display

Claymore  2018 was most enjoyable. The three games that stood out for me were two Napoleonic games and the Suez one. Another to mention was a 42mm game complete with a Russian renaissance wagon fort, it looked splendid. I didn’t take any photos but was shown  afterwards a photo of a game l was part of , a display for the Pike and Shot society in 1994 . Jan painted the standard on a sheet for us.  Photos were taken of the actual battlefield,terrain made and figures painted. A team effort.Happy days.

Close Wars

Having done some chores,proof read for daughter number one , supported her through ict issues and worked/ tided at the painting desk I set up a game-

I will play it through later today and tomorrow. Victory lies in destroying the enemy or getting at least 50 per cent of their force on to  their enemy’s baseline.

Inspiration

Looking out inspiration from the Ducal library today...an old favourite from 1991, an Osprey from 2005 and a book featuring artwork from the Carolingian Empire.

Update

I had a most enjoyable holiday staying with friends in Yorkshire. We went to Reivaulx Abbey which was fascinating but l felt the interpretation of the site was neither informative or engaging and included dreary illustrations of medieval monastic life. A 3D printed replica of a weathered stone left me cold, the printer lines being distracting. On Saturday we went to Skipton castle and enjoyed an excellent show by 1715 redcoats from queen Ann’s regt l think. They looked fantastic,were informative and a pleasure to talk to. All this inspite of rain. Sunday saw us at St Margarets Ilkley a beautiful Anglo Catholic Church with friendly folk and uplifting worship.

On my return l played a most enjoyable game where myself and my fellow general G were celts trying to stop Hannibal crossing a mountain pass. A most exciting game ensued where we eventually beat Hannibal ( commanded by P ) and sacked his baggage train. Dbm continues to serve us well as we just don’t have an inclination to learn a new set of rules for big games.

A small amount of hobby stuff has been got in but life has been busy what with catching up with friends over coffee and my youngest Freya turning 21 yesterday. We enjoyed a family day in St Andrews eating at a lovely Thai restaurant called Tanon and generally wandering about. Incidentally the coloured interpretive panels at St Andrews Cathedral were much better done and thankfully not computer generated. Old school illustrations at their best.

Plan is to work on my 28mm Carolingian Army ( beautifully painted by Jim Duncan and bought from him last year) adding to it in make a reasonable size force . I cannot replicate Jim’s lovely style but I try. Twenty cavalry are on their way and once they are painted the army will take the field. I am considering peasants which have little fighting ability but for whom l have a soft spot. 

Saturday sees Claymore ,a show filled with memories of putting on games and attending for more years than l care to remember. I hope to be inspired and not too distracted purchase wise.