Trailape's Wargame

On The Work Bench: Too Much!

2012-01-12T00:01:00.000-08:00

Hi Guys

Above: This is what a work bench looks like when you have too much on the go at the one time.

And this is only about a 3rd,..

What you can see here is VICTRIX French 1804-7, French 1812-15, PERRY Dutch Belgians for the 100 days (1815), VICTRIX and PERRY PLASTIC British for 1808-12, REDOUBT ENTERPRISE Trojan War Personalities and some FRONT RANK Personalities for my Inagi-Nation and my friend.

But I am making headway. Just starting to base my Romans and Successors. See below:

The Romans and successors are mainly Foundry Figures, with some OLD GLORY Phalangites added to the Successor's ranks.

Finally, I'm continuing with my friend Arnaud's Duke of Marlborough. The horse needs to be transformed into a Grey, and the whole set will be dipped. He's a nice FRONT RANK miniature.

Successor Elites: Alexander's Foot Companions.

2012-01-11T13:31:00.000-08:00

Hi Guys

A break for a moment from Napoleonics.

I thought I'd share a few photos of my recently completed Hypasapists. I've got six 60mm x 20mm bases. 28mm Miniatures. Mostly FOUNDRY, (insanely expensive but very nice) with some OLD GLORY command Figures for a bit more variety.

I based them for DBA but will also use them for IMPETUS.

The Shields are all hand pained.

My favorite figure is the Officer on the right (above). He's an OLD GLORY miniature, and seems to be 'breaking ranks' to urge the lads forward (as seen below):

"Follow me Men"!

I should add that the miniatures (including shields) were painted by FERNANDO ENTERPRISE to their 'SHOWCASE' standard. I wish I could paint that good.
Feel free to leave a comment.
Back to work on my Dutch Belgians for 1815,...

Dutch, Belgians, French and a Duke!

2012-01-09T17:27:00.000-08:00

Hi All

My first posting for 2012! I was hopeful I'd have this post up before the new year but alas 'twas not to be.

Anyhooo,.. What am I working on at the moment you might ask. Well I'm working on a beautiful FRONT RANK miniature of the Duke of Marlborough as a late Christmas gift for a friend of mine, (see above). This is the first FRONT RANK miniature I've attempted to paint, and I must say FRONT RANK miniatures are very nice.

I'm also painting some cracking good PERRY MINIATURES Dutch Militia. Long story here. I purchased some Belgian Line Infanrty online and the guy sent me half a unit of Belgian Line and half Dutch Militia. Anyway after an email or two the mistake was acknowledged and the other half of the Belgian unit was sent. What to do with half a unit of Dutch militia? I placed an order to the PERRY's for the other half of the unit and started painting. One of the 12 painted figs I was sent is on the left. My attempt (thus far) at replicating the paint style can be seen below.

I recently received back from FERNANDO ENTERPRISE a swag of EUREKA MINIATURES 28mm French Revolutionary War French Infantry painted to a 'Collector' standard. The are quite nice, but I wanted them to look a little more 'campaign' worn so I've started 'Dipping' them in ARMY PAINTER STRONG TONE dip. about 140 done thus far, with about another 80 to go.
Results thus far can be seen below:

I have a unit of 24 figs in the old 'White' uniform. I've included a picture of one of them below in amoungst the Blue Coats for comparison.

Also, below are two pictures of FERNANDO ENTERPRISE work prior to dipping. As you can see quite nice and at about $1.65 AUD for the painting good value for money IMHO.
They sport a very nice MAVERIK MODELS material flag.

I'll eventually issue all my French Revolutionary Demi-Brigades with these very nice 'Material' flags. They produce a very nice 'wavey' effect once attached to the staffs and are very reasonably priced. Highly recomended!

More updates soon. Cheers!

Calpe and Perry French! Oooh La La!

2011-11-30T03:05:00.001-08:00

BELOW: CALPE (L) and PERRY (R).

Hi Team
I just received my order of CALPE 28mm French.
I've taken some photos of them side by side some Perry Miniatures 28mm French so you can make a comparrison of these two outstanding manufactureres of fine 28mm miniatures.
BELOW: CALPE (L) and PERRY (R).

BELOW: DRUMMERS! CALPE (L) and PERRY (R).

BELOW: SAPPERS, CALPE (L) and PERRY (R).

BELOW: FUSILIERS. PERRY (L) and the CALPE offering (R)

BELOW: CALPE (L) and PERRY (R)

BELOW: CALPE (L) and PERRY (R)

I'll do a detailed review of the CALPE miniatures soon, with VICTRIX and EUREKA miniatures side by side.
I also purchased some CALPE Saxons, and an entire Division of CALPE PRUSSIANS.
Cheers

The Battle Of St Arnaud. 1814.

2011-11-27T02:37:00.001-08:00

ABOVE: The French line as seen from the French left flank. The enclosed field on the French left flank were hottly contested. The OBJECTIVE was the high ground with the windmill on it.

I had three mates over for a large LASALLE game today.

I wanted to do something different to the usual "My Division with one support option V your Division with one support option", so came up with the following Scenario.
France 1814.
An Infantry Division is tasked with holding the high ground near the village of St Arnaud. The French Divisional Commander (Arnaud), has been informed that a Young Guard division is hurrying to his aid. Behind them he can expect an additional cavalry Brigade (BDE), but of what composition he knows not. he also has a Divisional Battery of 4 guns and a horse artillery Battery that has been sent ahead to help.

Just as well he has the support coming up because before him is arrayed two enemy Divisions! One is a Russian Guard division and the other is a Prussian Division. Obviously someone in the Allied high command has also twigged as to the significant importance this high ground has, and an additional enemy BDE is approaching. Looks like Prussian Cavalry.

Lil' Scott Commanded the Russian Guard. 6 Battalions of Russians Guards Valiant, Exp Sk 0 plus 2 Bavarian converged Grenadier Battalions also Valiant Exp Sk 0, (ok, so I was short two more Russian battalions, so we pressed into service two Bavarian battalions.). he also had two heavy Batteries. One of 5 guns and one of 4 guns.

Stan as usual commanded his Prussians, 2 regular Battalions, 3 Reserve Battalions and 3 Landwehr battalions plus Landwehr Cavalry and a Foot battery of 4 guns.

I won't go into a lot of detail but essentially the battle opened with general advance along the entire front by both the Russian Guard and the Prussians. The French were spread rather thin, but had anchored both of their flanks. The left flank anchored on some stone walled farm land, whilst the right flank was rather solid with a small village garrisoned and a battalion behind that in square just in case the menacing Prussian cavalry attempted a sweep around.

BELOW: The Battlefield as seen from the French left. Note "The Hook". That's the bend in the road.

BELOW: Veteran infantry in reserve.

BELOW: The Brave General de Brigade, General Mort. His tactical bonus helped repel the first assault by the Russian Guard, but it cost him his life!

BELOW: French Conscripts on the left flank defending the enclosed fields. They did very well holing the Russian Guards back for a considerable time.

BELOW: Opening Shots! First rounds for the day belch from French Guns. Nearest to the viewer are the four guns of the divisional artillery. Top right is the Horse artillery that was send ahead from the cavalry BDE.

BELOW: The Tin Blue Line facing the Prussian Black and Russian Green allies!

The Allies soon received their reinforcements which consisted of a Prussian Cavalry BDE. Fortunately the French the Young Guard division arrived at the same time. Now it's two divisions V two divisions and a Cavalry BDE.

BELOW: The arrival of the French Young Guard Division was greeted by huge cheers from the French Infantry Division. The YG GD DIV consisted of three French Yg Battalions on three Italian Royal Guard Battalions.

BELOW: Russian Guards attacking the French left flank. The French defenders made good use of the numerous walls and fence lines to make life very difficult for the attackers.

BELOW: Bavarians and Wurtemburgers closes to the camera. These lads doubled as Prussian Reserve Battalions for todays battle. They were roughly handelled by the Verteran French Leger battalion they attempted to drived back.

BELOW: Russians advance through "The Hook", (the distictive bend in the road running across the battlefield)

BELOW: Russian Guards advance into the teeth of French Artillery! Brave Chaps!!!

BELOW: Allied infantry pour into the center of the French line. In the top right of the photo you can see the Village with the garrison within.

The Prussian Cavalry Bde arrived behind the Prussian Division, and proceeded to attempt to turn the French right by swinging around the garrisoned village. they were inspired by the sole Landwehr lancer regiment that had scooted around and ran down the hastily redeployed French Horse Artillery.

I think we all expected the Allies to blow right through the French division holding the line, but they held on quite well.

Just as the Prussians were celebrating the success of the daring Landwehr Cavalry the French Cavalry BDE arrived. A collective groan came up from the allied command when it was revealed it was OLD GUARD, (Lancers and Grenadiers a Cheval).

The Old Guard Cavalry soon restored the situation on the French right flank. The Lancers slaughtered the 'raiding' Landwehr cavalry while the Mounted Grenadiers put paid to half of the Prussian Cavalry Bde attenpting to turn the French Right.

BELOW: French Young Guard moving across to the threatened center.

BELOW: Corporal LeLeve defends his cow!

BELOW: Russian Guards drive back French conscripts (L) and Italian Royal Guard(R) as the try to clear out the farmland on the French left flank.

Eventually the Prussians and Russians over-ran the French Infantry Division, and even managed to rout the OLD GUARD Grenadiers a Cheval but the Russian Guard Division was spent in the process. As the French first line finally broke, so did the Russian Guard. The battle ended with the Prussians settling down to eat their evening bratwurst in front of the high ground as the Russians and Bavarians streamed to the rear. The French Guards, (both Young, Old and Italian) happy to hold onto the high ground).

What would have been a draw actually saw the victory going to the French, as the Loss of a Russian Guard Division was seen as a bigger blow to allied plans than the destruction of a Brigade of French conscripts.

BELOW: French Young Guard attack and rout Russian Guard on the left while the Italian Royal Guard do battle with more Rusian Guards

BELOW: The French make a last ditch stand on the slopes of the contested high ground.

BELOW: OLD GUARD LANCERS! Not to be messed with,..

It was a very enjoyable game. I wanted something different and I think the fellas found the scenario entertaining.

Most figures were AB Miniatures, with some FANTASSIN Russians and Bavarians, and OLD GLORY Russians.

Please feel free to leave a comment. Cheers.

FOR SALE!

2011-11-23T02:19:00.001-08:00

As some people have asked about them I'll share some information on the French 1808-1815 figures I have for sale just in case you (or someone you know) might be interested:

6 Battalions of 32 figs. A mix of OLD GLORY and AB Miniatures.

They are predominantly OG, but there are some AB 'Enthusiastic', Officers and Musicians, rank and file and casualties on the bases to add a bit of flavour.

A note on the basing:

Each battalion has 8 'half size' bases with 4 figs 2 x 2. Two bases combined make a single 'LASALLE' base of 8 figs in two ranks. This creates a basing suitable for Lasalle or Napoleon at War or AGE OF EAGLES. Will probably work for the vast majority of rule systems.
So you end up with either 6 LASALLE Battalions of 8 bases each
OR
8 Napoleon at War (NaW) Battalions of 6 bases each

Professionally painted and based to 'MUSEUM STANDARD' by REINFORCEMENTS BY POST. VERY NICE.

Asking for $75.00 per battalion; (seriously a BARGAIN).

Also have a Battery of 4 guns and a battery of 3 guns (Horse Artillery) and Command, (Napoleon and ADC plus two Brigade Commanders (not pictured).

Essentially it's an Infantry Division.

I'll sell all 6 Battalions and Artillery and Command figures, (Mounted Napoleon with 2 mounted ADC, and Two Brigade Commanders) for $500.00 (Or Nearest Offer) postage free.

I'll also include some spare Battalion Command bases for making extra NAPOLEON AT WAR Battalions.

Also available are some cavalry, Chasseurs a Cheval and Carabineers.
I also have some Penensular War British. 2 LARGE Dragoon Regts, 2 Light Dragoon Regts and 3 Batery's of 3 guns each. Also available is two British Command Bases.
Send an email to:
trailape@hotmail.com if you want to make an offer.
I'm only selling these as they are surplus to needs.
Cheers

UPDATE! FRENCH SOLD.
Only Brits left.

THE FINAL INSPECTION

2011-11-11T18:17:00.001-08:00

THE FINAL INSPECTION

The soldier stood and faced God,

Which must always come to pass.

He hoped his shoes were shining,

... Just as brightly as his brass.

'Step forward now, you soldier,

How shall I deal with you ?

Have you always turned the other cheek ?

To My Church have you been true?'

The soldier squared his shoulders and said,

'No, Lord, I guess I ain't

Because those of us who carry guns,

Can't always be a saint.

I've had to work most Sundays,

And at times my talk was tough.

And sometimes I've been violent,

Because the world is awfully rough.

But, I never took a penny,

That wasn't mine to keep...

Though I worked a lot of overtime,

When the bills got just too steep.

And I never passed a cry for help,

Though at times I shook with fear.

And sometimes, God, forgive me,

I've wept unmanly tears.

I know I don't deserve a place,

Among the people here.

They never wanted me around,

Except to calm their fears.

If you've a place for me here, Lord,

It needn't be so grand.

I never expected or had too much,

But if you don't, I'll understand.

There was a silence all around the throne,

Where the saints had often trod.

As the soldier waited quietly,

For the judgment of his God.

'Step forward now, you soldier,

You've borne your burdens well.

Walk peacefully on Heaven's streets,

You've done your time in Hell.'

Author Unknown~

Attack of the Young Guard!

2011-11-08T01:41:00.000-08:00

ABOVE: The battlefield and a Prussian Line battalion on 'The Baguette'
Hi All

Another LASALLE AAR! After two victories in a row, Stan's 'Liberation' period Prussians appear unstopable! It's time to commit the Young Guard!

The last time these two armies met, my Young Guard with a Light Cavalry Brigade had the better of it, but today I wanted to try something different. Enter the Westphalian Cuirassiers, (well, at least the Guard du Korps and a large French Cuirassier Regt, the 7th)!

Again young Scott (Scott Jnr) joined us, and so I gave him a Brigade (BDE) of Young Guard infantry and a Divisional Battery. I hoped he'd retained some of the hard learnt lessons from when he last played and had a Bavarin Brigade crushed under Prussian hooves,...

Being a bit light on the appropriate Young Guard miniatures we've pressed into service Italian Royal Guard and (shock and Horror), French OLD GUARD, (even MORE shock and horror!!!)!

Well today I'll call them the 3rd and 4th Regts of the Guard and just accept that they won't get the 'GUARD' bonus in combat.
DISCLAIMER: Throughout this Battle Report I'll refer to the French units as OLD GUARD, Italian Royal Guard etc, but for the game they all fought with YOUNG GUARD characteristics.

BELOW: The Advance of the French begins

The Battlefield from the French perspective was as follows, (looking north). On the extream left was the Verde Forest. Scanning east we could see the town of La Briknmotur with a road running from it to the north-west and west, dividing either side of the Verde Forest. The road also extended east from the town. As the road ran east in passed in front of a feature called 'The Baguette'. This large hill had a Prussian Battery deployed on it, flanked either side by Regular Prussian Line Battalions. further to the right were numerous fields with crops ready for harvest. Within these fields lay the Massed Prussian Cavalry. Directly in front of the town was a large hill called Mont St Michael. The Town was garrisoned by Prussian troops for sure, but were they a Reserve Battalion or Landwehr? East of the town was a Prussian Horse Battery.

We had already sorted who would be the defender. At an ATTACK roll of 3+ for the Young Guard Division I was confident that we would be attacking, and was proven right. After a roll to see who was attacking and who was defending the objective was placed by me at the base of the hill in the center. Stan quickly moved it in behind the town.

The Battlefield was an opportunity for me to trot out some of my latest purchases. Mostly from Germany, but also some Miniature World Maker latex stuff and Miniature Building Authority erm,... buildings.

The Plan from our perspective was rather simple, (as simple plans in the world of military endeavour are often the best) was to use Scott Jnr's Young Guard BDE, (depicted using some Italian Royal Guard and French Middle and Young Guard miniatures) to assault the town directly in front of the objective at the rear. My BDE, (depicted using French Imperial OLD GUARD Grenadier and Chasseur miniatures and some Italian Royal Guard) would advance in support, threatening the hill and covering the right flank of the assault on the town. The Westfalian Cuirassier BDE would cover our extreme right flank. I knew the Prussians were extremely weary of the Cuirassiers and hoped their presence would be enough to keep a large portion of the Prussian left flank rooted to the ground.

BELOW: The Westfalian Guard du Korps (on the left, and the French 7th Cuirassiers on the right). In front of then the Westfalian Horse Artillery deployed.

With Drums beating the French and Italians advanced. The Cuirassiers moved up just out of canister range and unlimbered their horse artillery. The Westfalian Gunners commenced a brisk bombardment, but having only 3 pieces, failed to do much more than create a lot of smoke and noise.

BELOW: With the Drum Corps beating Marshal Ney urges the Guard forward.

The Westfalian Guard du Korps was soon taking round shot in their ranks, and soon had 2 Disruption on them. Being a large unit however this wasn't too much of a concern.

Scott Jnr's BDE advanced at a moderate pace towards the Town of LaBriknmotur in Attack columns. My Bde by contrast in March column was soon over the feature Mont St Michael, with my Divisional battery dashing forward in true 'Gunner' style; and then unlimbering to commence a devastating bombardment of the Regular Prussian Line Infantry Battalion on The Baguette.

BELOW: Advancing behind prolonged Artillery, the Guard battalions and their Drum Corps!

BELOW: The battlefield as seen from the Prussian left flank. Massed Prussian Cavalry await the French advance, hopeful of an opportunity to crash into an open flank.

Marshal Ney could be heard urging his Guardsmen forward, "Onward the Guard"!

"Ah ha,.. just like Friedland"! Marshal Ney observed as my Battery advanced by prolong pausing to pour more shot into the hapless Prussians on 'The Baguette'. Right behind the Battery marched my Battalions in their newly formed attack columns.

Soon Scott Jnr's Battery joined in the bombardment and the Regular Prussian Battalion was soon broken and streaming to the real. They were replaced in the line by a battalion of Landwehr.

Scott Jnr's next move was to launch an assault on LaBriknmotur. With the Brigade General McCorley (of Scotish decent) leading them forward (Plus 1 Vigor and a Bonus to Tactics) smashed the Prussian defenders and drove them headlong from the town.

BELOW: The Young Guard charge into the town!

BELOW: The Prussian Battery on 'The Bagettue'

ABOVE: The Objective, (A busted old gun).

Stan fed another battalion forward to stem the French advance, only to see it routed. All the while my battery continued to advance by prolong and pour fire into the Prussians to their front.

BELOW: The Prussian gunners blaze away at the advancing French. One turn later they wheel their guns and destroy my battery 'sob'

Finally a turn of luck for Stan saw his battery on 'The Baguette' pump enough canister into my battery to see it reduced to a only a handfull of gunners and all their equipment destroyed. But my Gunners had done their job, and now my fresh Battalions surged forward over the wreckage of my battery and charge up 'The Baguette'.

BELOW: The destroyed Divisional Battery with French and Italian battalions preparing to charge over the wreckage a reap some revenge.

Whilst this was happening the Prussian cavalry sent more then half their number behind 'The Baguette' to help stem Brigade General McCorley's advancing Battalions.

ABOVE: Every army needs a Drum Corps!

BELOW: Prussian Dragoons

ABOVE: The French 7th Cuirassiers

BELOW: As Scott Jnr's BDE surges through the town and my BDE assault 'The Baguette', Prussian Cavalry move behind 'The Baguette' to attack the lead Young Guard battalion.

BELOW: My Old Guard and Italian Royal Guard battalions charge on to 'The Baguette'.

BELOW: The town now captured, Scott Jnr's Battalions advance north.

ABOVE: The Cuirassiers prepare to deliver a final blow to the Prussians

Prussian Cavalry after moving around behind 'The Baguette' launched themselves in a despreate attempt to contest the objective, but the Young Guard that had smashed it's way through two Prussian battalions whilst clearing the town wasn't about to be rolled by these Prussian Landwehr on horseback. Forming square they beat off two charges.

BELOW: Attacked by two Landwehr Lancer regiments, the 'Heros' of La Briknmotur form Square and fend them off!

The final charges of these Prussian horsemen were the last gasps of a defeated enemy. The Prussian run of victories was over.

All in all a cracking good and fun game.

The more I play LASALLE the more i come to appreciate what an excellent rule set it is.

That's all for now.

As usual, Comments Welcomed

SAGA SAXON WIP: They're Finished!

2011-11-07T04:06:00.000-08:00

Hi Gang

As promised, some more photos of my SAGA Saxons. They are finished! Two 'Hearthguards' and a Levy archer. These guys have now been 'Sprayed' with the ARMY PAINTER Anti-shine varnish.
BELOW: The 'Standing Around Waiting For A Scrap' or 'SAWFAS Hearthguard'.

BELOW: SAWFAS from behind.

BELOW: The more aggressive 'Get Stuck In' posed 'Hearthguard'.

BELOW: A sample Levy Archer

Comments welcomed.
Cheers

Prussians V Franco-Bavarians, 1813.

2011-11-07T03:27:00.000-08:00

ABOVE: The French and Bavarians prepare to receive the Prussian hoards!

Hi All
A quick post with a lot of Eye Candy.
About one week ago Stan and I had yet another LASALLE battle. This time however we had a third play. Scott (a converted Warhammer 40K player) decided to have a crack at Lasalle. Consequently he was given a Brigade (BDE) on my side. A mix of Bavarians, Saxons and Baden troops, (though all given Bavarian characteristics for this game.

Stan trotted out his Prussians, (again). They were on a roll, after their last game which saw them score a win over a 'Liberation' period French Infantry Division. For this game I chose 'Liberation' period French again but with a Bavarian ally.

BELOW: The Prussians advance.

The French defenders held the right and centre, with the left flank being the Bavarian responsibility.
BELOW: French conscripts garrison the village.

I won't go into great detail, but in a nutshell, the Prussian Cavalry had a field day with the Bavarians. Scott's inexperiance lead to both of his batteries being masked by his own infantry, and leaving his infantry in line when faced by cavalry and only attempting to form square as a reaction to being charged.
BELOW: My sole Veteran unit sits on a hill supported by a battery and a battalion of conscripts.

BELOW: In the center the French race onto the hill.

In the center the French conscripts gave as good as they got, losing one battalion to Prussian bayonets, but eventually mowing down most of Bluchers boys.
BELOW: A Bavarian battalion on a hill about to be run down by vengence filled Prussian Dragoons

BELOW: Prussian Horse Artillery fire on the Bavarian infantry. Prussian Lancers and hussars await the order to charge!

Unfortunatly for the French however, the rout of the Bavarians and the destruction of the two French Battalions on our right was too much. Another victory for the Prussians. Can anything stop the dreaded Huns?!

BELOW: Prussian Landwehr and Reserve Infantry supported by a Regular Line Battalion advancing in the center.

BELOW: The Old Coot Blucher himself makes an appaerance and inspires the boys! "VORWARTS MEIN KINDER"!

BELOW: Prussian Horse Artillery, (actually Saxon Horse Artillery who have defected! Obviosly some 'Patriotic' German Officers with an axe to grind).

BELOW: The Prussian cold steel meets french hot lead!

BELOW: A volley as seen by the Prussians!

BELOW: Bavarians about to discover that 'Line' formation isn't the best formation to try and stand against Cavalry,..

BELOW: "Once there was 4, now there is 3". Four attacking Prussian battalions are reduce to three due to French and Bavarian musketry.

BELOW: Undaunted the 3 Prussian Battalions push on and break through in the center. Unfortunatly for the the French reserves soon render them 'KAPUT".

BELOW: Content with their efforts in running rough-shod over the Bavarian flank, the Prussian Cav trot back to their own lines, seen off with some musketry and canister, (though not enought to break a single cavalry unit)!

BELOW: In the center the sole Prussian battalion finds itself surrounded, but French and Bavarian resolve breaks, and end battle ends in a Prussian victory.

Another fun game. Young Scott is now building his own LASALLE army, AUSTRIANS! After one game he's taken with historical gaming and is building an army. BRAVO!

Comments Welcomed!

Cheers

Tormentus IV. My DBA return adventure

2011-10-31T13:25:00.000-07:00

ABOVE: Just one of the games played. Romans V Burmese.

Hi All

Well that was fun! Last night I played in a DBA tornament hosted by the 'MONDAY KNIGHTS' WARGAMERS. It was the first time in over 3 years since I'd played in a tournament or played DBA.

And I must say it was a hell of a lot of fun.

The details were:

This will be an open tournament with players able to draw 15mm scale armies from any list in the DBA version 2.2 rules. Only one variant may be used for all four games.

• 45 minutes will be allowed per battle, with no more than 5 minutes for deployment.
• Terrain will be fixed. The defender will nominate and dice for board edge. Deployment then continues as normal.
• BUAs are treated as impassable terrain for all elements & no other BUA rules apply.
• Dismounting elements may only dismount at deployment.
• All streams & rivers are paltry.
• Swiss Chess Draw will be used.
The winner of each battle will receive 15 points less the following:
• 1 pt for each element destroyed other than the general
• 2 pts if general element was destroyed
• 3 pts if own camp was captured
The defeated of each battle is awarded the following:
• 1 pt for each enemy element destroyed other than the general
• 2 pts for destroying the enemy general
• 3 pts for capturing the enemy camp
In the case of a draw neither player receives any points.
I only had one option as a choice of Army to use; Trojans (as it was the only Ancient army in 15mm I have painted and based).

It consisted of:

1 x LCH General 'HECTOR'

3 x LCH

4 x Sp 'Spearmen'

1 x Bd 'Warriors with Axes'

1 x Ax 'Auxilia'

2 x Ps 'Skirmishing Archers'

My LCH (Light Chariots) could dismount as 'Hero Warriors' (Blades).

Not a bad army, but nothing really special about it either. Spear are 'OK' in open ground, and Chariots are niether brilliant nor crap as a mounted force. The single Blade and Auxilia would prove useful however.

The real issue was not playing in a little over three years.

Essentially I just wanted to have some fun, push some lead and throw some dice. And what better way to get re-aquinted with the rules of DBA 2.2?

So how did it pan out?

ROUND ONE: V HUSSITES. (Or "We need some firewood")

Ok, wall to wall freaking War Wagons (WWg). Seriously, who uses WWg? They just sit there and shoot at you. (Oh yeah, I forgot they shoot).

BELOW: Deployment. I'm defending. I see a center full of WWg, a cheeky Light Horse (Lh) element on my left and FOUR Bd elements on the right. And what's that I see on the right of the WWg? a Knight (Kn) general and a ruddy great Artillery (Art) piece!

Right then. Simple plan. Stall the Lh with Ax and Ps, (maybe even draw him into the woods and 'Choppy choppy'). March my spearmen and axe wielding Warriors up to the WWgs and try and smash them up and scoot my Chariots around the woods, kill the Lh, (assuming they havn't been dumb enough to get into a tangle with my Ax and Ps) and attach from the left rear.

ABOVE: From left to right. WWgs, Kn General, Artillery and (behind) four flair wielding 'Blade' elements.

BELOW: My spearmen advance and my Chariots with Hector in the rear, (don't laugh) commence their 'flanking' move.

BELOW: Ok, so the plan already is going to poo. The bloody WWgs are SHOOTING at me!! (Did I mention I forgot WWgs can shoot)? Hector peals off the flanking command to support (how I don't know) the infantry.

Oh what to do? What's this? The Kn General is trying to flank me! "YIKES". I turn a Spear element with Ps support to face and charge into 'Jan' the General. I inflict a recoil on him and he crashes into a small 'inconvieniently placed' hut. Jan is dead. Game over. "Phew".
BELOW: That Crazy Jan dude comes off 2nd best. "BRAVO trusty Spearmen and loyal Archers"!

ROUND 2: V VIKINGS. (Or "Blades blades, as far as the eye can see"):

I find myself confronted with a wall 12 elements wide of Blades. I decide to move my Ax, Bd and 2 Ps into the wood on my left flank and place my spearmen behind a plouged Field, (Bad Going). My spearmen hold on and delay as the Blades pick their way through the field. Meanwhile my Chariots attacke and pin the vickings in the center. Eventually my Ax and Bd launch out of the woods and roll up the center.

BELOW: My Bd and Ax flank the Vikings central elements.

Below: My spearmen prepare to hold back the Viking blades.

Below: End game. The Viking center is overwhelmed by my Ax, Bd, and Chariots lead by Hector, (in Red Chariot).

ROUND 3 V LATER IMPERIAL ROMANS (OR "This will take some careful timing,.."):
Round 3 begins with two wins under my belt. So now I'm facing Romans. This is a tough Army to fight. A Cav General, 2 x Knight, 2 x Light horse, 3 x Blades, 2 x Axilia, 2 x Psilo.

Initially my plan was to try and try and single out the two Roman Lh elements on his right flank and sweep around behind.. But true to form that plan was soon abbandoned as the Romans hunkered down due to a bad roll of PIPS.

I was able to manouve into a fairly adventagous position, as you can see BELOW:

BELOW: The situation just befor the clash. I'm covering my left flank against two Lh and a Kn element and holding my center with the spearman. Hector is supporting my main effort on my right flank. It's here I will attack with a Bd element Axilia element and a Psilo element.

Unfortunatlyly for my my attack on my right fizzels out so I resort to my original plan and attack on the left hoping to get the better of the Roman Lh dispite the presence of the Kn element. Luck goes my way, and the two Roman Lh are soon wiped out. BELOW: The Roman right flank is exposed as the two Lh elements vanish.

Te success over the Lh is enough to secure a win combined with the minor victories over the Romans on left where things had looked grim. A close game and the biggest challange thus far in the tournament.

ROUND 4 v NORMANS (Or, "Ok, this is just silly"):
Ok, look at the terrain. Almost no room to set up in and I'm facing Normans, Knights galore, a Lh element, some spearmen and a psilo.

Ultimatly we end up staring at each other and neither army is prepared to take a chance and commit to an attack. I blink first and launch an attack. It starts well but then disaster.My spearmen who had been driving back the knights, (just comming up short of actually destroying them) surcumb to the knights.

The game ends in defeat for Hectors men, but Hector lives to fight another day.

BELOW: The stand off on my right flank.

BELOW: The Spoils of War. Thrid Place Trophy and a trophy for "furtherest Distance Traveled", (91Km). And the LOOT, a $10.00 Gift Voucher from EUREKA MINIATURES

All in all I had a great couple of hours fun. Thanks to the MONDAY KNIGHTS (and in particular Phil the Umpire / Organiser) for hosting the event and thanks to all the guys (and one young girl) who participated. I had 4 excellent games and will be playing some more DBA soon.
Thanks also to EUREKA MINIATURES for the VOUCHER and I must mention
JOE DODGY'S DICE and GAMES who had the sole trade stall. Mitch provided some excellent wares at very competitive prices. Check out Mitch's online store for some bargains.
Well, that ends my wrap-up.
A heap of more PHOTOS can be seen here: MORE PHOTOS
Comments Welcomed as usual.
Cheers

NAPOLEONIC WIP and some finished units.

2011-10-27T19:24:00.000-07:00

ABOVE: Awww, Ney is feeling slightly Blue. Ok, so I'm not funny.

Hi Team

Another update.

A few days ago I showed your the 'Marchal Ney' Miniature I purchased from EUREKA Miniatures.

See this BLOG ENTRY

Well here he is thus far. Undercoated and white fur painted onto his coat and 'flesh' added. I know he is meant to have a Brownish - Grey coat based on the painting he is modelled on, but hey, he's my Ney and I like the Idea of a Blue coat, (though I might change my mind yet). I'm also working on some OLD GUARD 'Grumblers' and Marcehal de camp Cambronne, (a mix of Perry Metals and VICTRIX plastics)

BELOW: A model of Ney's REARGUARD, Retreat From Moscow. As yu can see, no Blue coat for Ney here,... I have no idea who made this model.

Speaking of VICTRIX, I've finished a VICTRIX 'Metal' British Colonel. Very basic stuff. Block colours and then 'Dip'n'Spray'. TADAAAAA!! One Brit Colonel.

I've also based a swag of AB napoleionics that my good mate 'Gunner Dunbar' painted for me.
You can check out Danl's AWESOME work HERE
They are as follows:
BELOW: Rocket Troop, Royal Horse Artillery (RHA).

BELOW:10th Hussars, and the 15th Hussars 1815.

I also been painting myself. Here is my General Picton and Allied officer. Picton is from FANTASSIN, and the other chap is an AB Miniature.

I've also completed a French Old Guard Horse Artillery battery for my LASALLE collection.

Danl 'Gunner Dunbar' also painted a swag of AB Miniatures 18mm French Light Cavalry casualties for me. As you can see he's done a rather good job of them.

Finally here is some more of my work. Two battalions of French Line Infantry for my LASALLE '1806' (Conquest Period) French .

A slightly different approach with hese guys, insofar as I've used a wash rather than a dip.

That's all for now. I must get ready for a DBA tournament I'm playing in tonight.

Oh, and as usual, Comments Welcomed.

Cheers

SAGA WIP

2011-10-27T17:25:00.000-07:00

Hi Team
Well so far I have painted about 8 'Hearthguards' as part of my SAGA project.
After spraying I've added in the 'Block Colours' (with a bit of detail as seen).

Next I dipped in ARMY PAINTER STRONG SHADE, (see below).

BTW, the bases are covered in a rendering paint the wife picked up as part of another project,... our BBQ area 'beautification'. I comes in a massive drum. Whilst applying it to our back outside wall I thought it might be a good flocking paste. I'll provide more details on this next post.
Once these guys are dry I'll spray with the 'ARMY PAINTER ANTI-SHINE' (dullcote is similar), and paint up and attach their shields.
I'll keep you posted.
Comments Welcomed!
Cheers
Trailape

My 'SAGA' erm, saga begins!

2011-10-26T17:02:00.000-07:00

ABOVE: My copy of SAGA, and

BELOW: Some of the BTD miniatures I purchased over a decade ago finally look like they will have some play.

Hi All

So what do you do with 100+ 28mm Dark Age Miniatures you find in an Army trunk hidden at the back of your garage?

You purchase a copy of SAGA from EUREKA MINIATURES, (or your LFGS) and start painting.

BELOW: Some of the 100+ BLACK TREE DESIGN miniatures I purchased in 2000. 11 years later and they final get a lick of paint!

I want these guys painted up as quickly as posible, and they are rather simple miniatures. Either tunics or chainmail essentially. So I'll use the ARMY PAINTER method.

For the 'Levy' and 'Warriors' in tunics I'll use the base colours of Navy Blue, Desert Sand, Army Green and Black from the ARMY PAINTER range, and a simple Flat Grey I purchased from my local hardwear store.

For my 'Hearthguard' I'll try initially to undercoat using the AP 'Chainmail'. I find it hard to think of a metallic / silver colour being any good as a base coat, but I'll try it on a sample of 8 figures and see how it pans out.

I also purchased the 'BEOWULF' collection of miniatures from EUREKA MINIATURES, so these guys will become my 'WARLORD' and (elite) 'Hearthguard' I'll add photos of these outstanding miniatures soon.

Oh and BTW, the Rules "SAGA" look excellent. They are skirmish rules for the Dark Age period, but I think they will be addaptable to other periods. I'm thinking of maybe the Trojan Wars,....

That's all for now.

Trailape Out!

On The Workbench

2011-10-26T04:33:00.000-07:00

ABOVE: British Tanks for my FoW Early War British. A9, A10 and A13 Cruisiers and three Mathilda MkII Infantry tanks.
Hi All
Time for another Blog update.
So what's on the workbench? Well, I've started work on my FLAMES OF WAR (FoW) Early War (WW2) British. I purchased a swag of Tanks and Artillery from OLD GLORY's Command Decision range. At 40% off with my OG ARMY CARD discount it works out to about $5.00 AUD per tank including postage. Less than half the price than BATTLEFRONT's tanks at about $12.00 AUD each. And the OG tanks are ALL metal, not a Resin / metal mix. Bargain!!!

I also visited EUREKA MINIATURES recently and purchased some more Revolutionary French Infantry. Whilst there I picked up what might be the best miniature Ney ever!
Below is a photo of Ney with a PERRY MINIATURES OLD GUARD Pioneer. As you can see Ney is looking well ready for a scrap. The miniature appears to be modelled on the "Retreat From Moscow" when Ney commanded the rear guard.

I'll paint Ney using the ARMY PAINTER method and will keep yu updated on his progress. I also have the PERRY Ney, depicted charging on horseback as at Waterloo but the PERRY Ney comes in a set of three mounted miniatures.

I also received a big order from the awesome PERRY MINIATURES. Mainly DUTCH BELGIANS, NASSAU and BRITISH but also some French OLD and YOUNG Guard
Below is Marcehal de camp Cambronne. Again I'll use the ARMY PAINTER method to paint him and again I'll keep you updated on his progress.

My wife Raechel has offered to paint some miniatures for my mate Stan. Two miniatures from the 'INCURSION' game. I give you the Von X sisters! Freaky Nazi chicks in kinky Gestapo gear commanding Zombies; what's not to like?!

Raech has also offered to paint these two lovely ladies below that I obtained from EUREKA. Every army needs two pillow fighting girls in Hussar costume,... I shall call them Jess and MJ.

That's all for now.

Trailape Out.

Tatty Highlanders

2011-10-18T23:21:00.000-07:00

Hi All
I'm promised on the TMP I'd upload photos of the Highlanders that GUNNER DUNBAR painted for me a while back and I've finally got around to getting them uploaded.
They two units are the 42nd and 79th Highlanders, ('Black Watch' and 'Camarons'). The miniatures are a mixe of VICTRIX and PERRY plastics, with some VICTRIX metals, (the Mounted officers and the charging Pioneer).

For those who claim you can't or shouldn't mix the Perry and Victrix figures, I think this shows they mix rather well. The Figures are based on 50mm x 40mm bases for LASALLE rules, (my perfered rules).

I'll add a few single mounted Characters also, and use them for SHARP PRACTICE.

The Skirmish bases are 45mm wide x 40mm deep with two figures indicating a Skirmish value of 2 (SK2).

Danl (Gunner Dunbar) wanted to do these two units looking rather 'battered' after some tough campaigning and given they are destined for my Peninsular War British I thought it would be a good idea. Besides, when Danl has an 'idea' you know it's going to be good.

As you can see these Lads have had a lot of modifications done and they really look 'Tatty'. Only the Officers and musicians look 'Regimental' with the rank and file looking rather 'worse for wear'.

I just completed the basing and I hope I've done Danl's fine brush work and sculpting justice.

BELOW: The 'Black Watch' from behind.

BELOW: A VICTRIX metal mounted Colonel.

BELOW: A Close up of the 42nd Skirmish base.

BELOW: A close up of the 79th Skirmish base.

BELOW: Hamish takes a ball to the chest: "OCH!!! Such is life,.."!

BELOW: Captain Jimmy MacDoogla and Drummer Jock McPlop stagger under the Frenchie's skirmish fire: "Hoots Mon, but it's gettin hot"!

BELOW: The VICTRIX metal Pioneer seen charging!

BELOW: "The line will advance"!

The next Highlanders I'll get done, (hopefully by Danl again) will be for the 100 Days, so they will be more 'Regimental' in appearance. Gordons and hmmm,... not sure.

Please feel free to leave a comment.

Trailape Out!

Prussians and French in the 100 Days. A Lasalle AAR

2011-10-10T14:41:00.000-07:00

ABOVE: The cavalry battle on the right flank about to erupt.

Hi all

I played my first game of Lasalle after returning home from Afghanistan yesterday. My mate Stan came round with his 100 Days Campaign Prussians, so I thought I'd use 100 Days French. Last time we played I had used a Young Guard organisation and had been successful and the time before that Liberation War French infantry (with a sea of conscripts) had again got the better of 'Jerry'.

So far the score was 2-0 to the French over Stan's Prussians, so I was confident the Emperor would recieve another report of another heroic victory! BRAVO!!!

So as core units go I had 6 Vetern Infantry and a battery of artillery

Versus:

Stan's 3 Landwehr, 3 Reserve Infantry, 2 regular Musketeers Battalions, two detachments of Jager 'skirmishers, a Foot battery and a Landwehr Lancer Regiment.

As it turned out, Stan didn't field a reserve battalion or a Landwehr battalion.

Would he come to regret their absence??? Only time would tell.
Stan's Prussians would be the attacker in this game after rolling a 6 to my 1, (a bad omen?).

The table was based on the Lasalle Map generator number 4, "The Chateau and the Town".

As defender I placed a ploughed field and an orchard. Stan then placed a marsh. I was hoping the field and orchard would go some way in channeling the Prussians into a killing ground in front of the objective. I assumed Stan just liked to have a Marsh near by to water his horses in,...

I picked as my support option the Light Cavalry Brigade. Two Hussar and two Chasseur a Cheval units and a Horse Artillery battery would provide enough mounted to cancel out most of Stan's advantage in mounted. Stan also selected a Light Cavalry support option.

I massed my Light cavalry Brigade on the right, and placed half my infantry on the left flank. My last 3 battalions were in march column so as to move quickly towards the objective, namely the Chateau.

BELOW: The Prussian Infantry commence their advance and are greeted by Napoleon's daughters, BOOM!

BELOW: French Hussars and Chasseurs of the Light Cavalry Brigade moments befor they crash into the Prussian cavalry.

The Battle commenced with both Cavalry Brigades advancing on each other. I was confident my lads would have the better of the contest, but it wasn't to be. Initially it went well, with both Landwehr cavalry units destroyed within 2 rounds of combat, but after that it went badly or the French, with the Prussian Dragoons knocking over both the 5th Hussars and then my reserve Chasseurs a Cheval. The 6th Hussars eventually were destroyed by the Prussian Hussars 'though the Prussian Hussars did sustained 3 distruption.

ABOVE: As the Cavalry prepare to engage each other on the right flank, the Prussian Infantry advance on the French center and the Objective, the Chateau.
BELOW: The 5th Hussars clash with Prussian Dragoons (near camera) after destroying a Landwehr Lancer Regiment. In the centre the 6th Hussars continue to melee with the Prussian Hussars. In the distance the Chasseur a Cheval hack into Prussian landwehr lancers for a second round of combat.

BELOW: Veteran French Infantry prepare to meet the advancing Prussians

As the French Cavalry routed on the right flank, the Prussin infantry advanced in the center. The Prussians on the left of the attack took a pounding from the Battery and infantry, with on reserve battalion being destroyed. But the lead Landwehr pushed on and turned out to be 'Valiant'.

The situation was now desperate. With my right flank smashed I need the Prussian infantry to destroy themselves on my infantry line and within the 'killing ground' in front of the objective.
BELOW: French Artillery pound the advancing Prussian infantry
BELOW: The last of the French cavalry go down fighting the Prussian Hussars and Dragoons.

When the lead Prussian Reserve Battalion was routed, it gave me a glimmer of hope. If I could swing in my infantry onto the advancing Prussian's flank all might yet be saved.

BELOW: A battalion of French Light Infantry advance off the hill after routing a Prussian Reserve battalion. The 'Valiant' landwehr crash into the French Line battalion posted on the left of the Chateau.

Unfortunatly for me, the valiant Landwehr smashed through my line battalion, and continued into my battalion posted in reserve and routed them also. This was all too much for my boys, and the cries of "Save yourself" were soon heard amongst the clatter of dropped muskets and stamp of running boots.

BELOW: The Prussian heros of the day. Valient Landwehr. The crashed through two French battalions and ruptured my center!

Another great game of Lasalle.

Most of the miniatures are AB miniatures. Stans Prussians were pained for the most part be FERNANDO ENTERPRISE with the Commanders and Skirmish bases painted by me.

Model Citizen Miniatures painted my Cavalry and about half my infantry. I painted the Artillery and the French infantry in the center, (wearing greatcoats and dying in droves).

Feel free to leave a comment.

Cheers

OK, so who are these guys?

2011-09-26T23:55:00.000-07:00

OK, so can anyone identify these miniatures. They are PERRY Miniatures, and they look like French Elites, but notice they have no rolls on their packs and it appears they have greatcoats rolled and across their chests. I suspect they are Nassau, but I'm at a loss,...

Can anyone help?

Cheers

Please Excuse My Absence

2011-04-26T06:09:00.000-07:00

Above: Me at a Artillery deployment
Hi All
I guess some of you might be wondering where I've been.

Well, I hope these photos go some way in explaining.

BELOW: The old 'KING's PALACE,Kabul. Looks a little like Berlin in April '45. Seriously though, Kabul is coming along nicely.

It's amazing to see how this place is coming along. To see kids going to school, and just the population getting on with life is really something.

BELOW: Anyone interested in some old Ex-Soviet artillery or armour?

It's proving to be really rewarding serving here. The people I work with are truely insperational; both Coalition and Afghan. All the same, I'm really looking forward to getting home to my family and friends, (and maybe even getting some gaming in).

Well, I hope that explains why there has been little in the way of activity on the blog.

Cheers for now.

YOUNG GUARD ROUT PRUSSIANS; 1813!

2011-03-23T10:15:00.001-07:00

ABOVE: The Prussian defensive line.
Hi All
I've been away for quite some time, but here is some photos of a Lasalle game I played before I departed over seas. It was played over at my mate's place. Stan ran his 1813 Prussians against my French Young Guard Division. Yes, I did use some OLD GUARD minis as 'stand ins', ("oh the horror"). I just gave the 'Old grumblers' the same stats as if they were Young Guard. It was a great little battle, with the Young Guard eventually triumpant! Originally my plan was to smash my way through on Stan's right flank, but after that stalled I switched to trying to get through the center, which turned out to be successful. Stan did try to sweep around my right with his Landwehr Cavalry, but the resulting carange was lots of Prussian dead horses,..
BELOW: My YG Battalions roll forward towards the Prussian Line. Stan deployed a battalion facing the woods on his right, as opposed to deploying them IN the woods. The resulting delay in getting his lads through the wood did give me an opportunity to get close without to much hurt.

BELOW:Prussian Guns Blaze away at the advancing French. It was here on my left I used OLD GUARD Grenadiers and Chasseurs as Young Guards! Eeeeeeekkk!!!

BELOW: The Prussian center crumbles! "On to Berlin"!
Here we see the Lancers of the Guard (Dutch 'Red' Lancers) bursting through. French Old Guard are capturing a battery, and Young Guard are standing their ground where a Prussian Battalion once stood. In the distance (my right flank) you can see YG Battalions advancing into the gaps where Prussians were,..

Sorry for the poor quality of the photos,..

Cheers for Now!

French Battery In Action!

2011-03-10T23:54:00.000-08:00

ABOVE: "No.1,... LOAD"!
Hi All
I've finally finished my French Battery in 28mm.
I've base the figures individually, so I can use them for 'SHARP PRACTICE' and 'SONG OF DRUMS & SHAKO' games, as well as LASALLE.
For games like 'Lasalle' I will simply place the Guns on bases with a 40mm frontage, or two or three guns on a base with a 160mm frontage to represent the '4 gun' battery used in Lasalle.

The miniatures are from EUREKA MINIATURES; 'French Revolutionary Wars' range, but They will do for Early Empire also I suspect.
Below: You can just make out a young General Napoleon laying the gun on the left,..

I painted them using the Army Painter method, and am quite happy with the results.

One of the nice features with the EUREKA MINIATURES Artillery is the swag of equipment you get with each gun. All manner of rammers, and sponges, buckets, and musket stacks, ammo boxes, (both open and closed).

As a gunner myself, I really like these models.

You can see more of EUREKA MINIATURE artillery at my IMAGI-NATION Blog, HERE! and

HERE

Feel fre to leave a comment!

Trailape Out!

French Voltigeurs And a Tyrolean Cannon

2011-03-10T02:32:00.000-08:00

Hi All
'Tis me again!
This time I thought I'de share a few pictures of some VICTRIX French Voltigeurs I recently finished. Now that I can see them 'close up' (thanks to a camera zoom), they actually look rather crappy!
Oh well, they will do for gaming!
Below: To 'Hornist', "Toot toot, Parp Parp"!

Below: "Hey, where did that Fusilier come from, and where is his hat"!

"Vive Le Emperor"!

Below: "Trust me, they look OK from 3 feet away,..."

Moving right along,...

I thought I'd show you some pictures of a nice little model and miniatures I purchased from Nic at EUREKA Miniatures.

It's a Tyrolean Cannon and Crew. Well, actually it's short one crew member, (a female getting a charge out of an ammo box). All the same. A very nice little cannon.

This model is just screaming to be used in a SHARP PRACTICE or SONG OF DRUMS AND SHAKO game.

The cannon is a home-made 'wooden cannon', as used by the Tyroleans during their revolt against the Bavarians. I have about 30 Bavarian figures, and I was unsure what to do with them.

Now I'm thinking of painting them up and basing them individually for a bit of 'anti-guerrilla' operations.

The figures are available from EUREKA miniatures, as seen here

Anyway. A nice set of figures!

Cheers

A Tale of Two Flags

2011-03-10T02:15:00.000-08:00

Hi Again
Here is a couple of photos of the flag I recently recieved from Maverick Models.
As usual, fantastic service from Stuart at MAVERICK. Placed an order for this flag in both 28mm and 18mm scales, and they were dispatch the same day. Arrived from the UK to me in Australia within a week.
The flag was needed to finish off my French Naval Artillery Regt
I highly recommend MAVERICK MODELS for all your flag needs!

Below: Just to fill up the post a bit more, I thought I'd share this photo of a PERRY flag on a Perry Plastic Figure.

Cheers!

Gauls And Germans

2011-03-10T01:52:00.000-08:00

Above. Ancient Germans. A mix of Old Glory, 1st Corp and Foundry figures
Hi
I just finished basing some 28mm Ancients. I've had them painted for some time, but only now got round to basing them. I'm working on a 20mm frontage per figure system, hoping for maximum flexibility, as I use a variety of rule systems.
Below: German Comand Group. Normaly I would have 3 miniature on a 60mm wide base, but this is a Command stand, soooo,...

Below: Gaul Command base, with a suspiciously 'German' looking noble in the front rank, (from 1st Corps).

Below: "Hey, careful with those spears,... someone could get hurt"!

Below: Asterix was keen to 'get ahead' in society,...

Below: A small part of what will eventually be my 200 + Gaul Warband

All miniatures were painted by me, using the ARMY PAINTER method.

Cheers

The Prussians Assault; late 1813!

2011-03-06T21:32:00.000-08:00

Hi All
My friend Stan and I recently played our 4th game of Lasalle. Stan had just finished putting together a Prussian Division, so we decided on a 1813 battle with the Prussians Division with a Cuirassier Brigade in support attacking a French Division supported by a Light Cavalry Brigade.
I won't go into a detailed game report, (I just don't have the time I'm afraid); but briefly here is what happened.
BELOW: The French deploy with the Division roughly in line, with the Prussian 'Objective', the building at the end of the road, (in other words, "Drive ze Frogs avay from ze crossroads, schnell"!).

Above: A section of the Prussian deployment.

The French deployed with the division in line with the sole 'Veteran' Battalion in reserve to the left of the objective and another battalion of conscripts to the right. All but one of the French battalions were Conscripts! The bulk of the French Light Cavalry Brigade, (Lt Bde), was on the opposite side of the river, with the Unit of Hussars just to the left of the Veteran Infantry. The French Commander placed himself in the center, near the house (objective). The two French Divisional Batteries were positioned so as to break up any assaults that would fall on either the center or right flank. The Horse artillery was deployed on the left bank of the river, together with the two units of Chasseur.

The Prussians massed mostly in the center, (intent on smashing through to the objective I suspected). The two Line Infantry battalions were to lead the assault, with three Reserve and three Landwehr Battalions in support. Von Crabbe (Stan) beefed up his Skirmishers from two of the Reserve Battalions with Shutzen light Infantrymen. He placed his Landwehr Cavalry on the opposite bank of the river, facing my Lt Bde (- the Hussars).

His Cuirassier Bde, which included some Saxon Cavalry and Horse Artillery that had changed sides at Leipzig, face my right flank. The ground was covered in a thick mud, and this was going to slow the sausage eaters down, "Bravo"!
Below: The Prussian's advance! Napoleon's daughters say "Hello".

Above. The French battery on the right flank open fire on the Saxon Guns. The French gunners got the better of the exchange, and forced the Saxon's to limber up and move back.

Above: As the Prussians advance on the Objective, the Battery on my right prolongs into a position to pour fire into the Prussians.

In short, the Prussians advanced on the objective under a hail of artillery fire. Eventualy both Regular Prussian Line Battalions were destroyed by a combination of Canister and musketry.

The real heros for Von Crabbe turned out to be a Reserve battalion and a Landwehr battalion that routed the two French Conscript Battalions on the left and right of the objective.

Below:The French Veterans await the order to counter attack.

Below: The Prussians are catching buckets of canister!

In the end the Prussians ran out of time, with the night came the order to withdraw. So close, but not close enough.

Above: The French right flank swinging in. The Saxon Gunners did their best to pound the French conscripts on the extreme right, but just kept coming up short of breaking them. The French commander consistently rallied off the disruption.

Above: The Prussian Reserve Battalion breaks though, and is then confronted by the French Veterans.

Below:The moment when the Landwehr Battalion enters close combat with the French battalion on the right of the objective.

Below: End Game. The Prussians haven't managed to secure the objective, with the French Veterans deploying into line as night falls.

Below: The French Right Flank at game's end.The Landwehr have routed a French battalion, and the Saxon Cuirassiers and a Reserve Battalion arrive in support. Unfortunatly the French Battery and three French Battalions are still full of fight.

A great game, and a 'close run thing' in the end. The Prussians were painted by Fernando Enterprise. The French 'Conscripts' were painted by Reinforcements By Post. The French Artillery were mainly painted by me, as were the French Veterans, Prussian Artillery, Skirmishers and Prussian Commanders. The French Hussars and Saxon Heavies were painted by Model Citizen Miniatures.

Another fun Lasalle game. I apologize for some poor quality photos.

Cheers

A Cruel Cavalier and A Jackass Dragoon

2011-02-27T21:58:00.000-08:00

Hi All
WOW, two posts in one day.
Recently picked these nice little models up from EUREKA MINATURES. First a ECW Officer who has had the better of a duel with an opponent. Looks like a Cavalier who's dispatched a Roundhead.

And finally, a Dragoon. Well, what else would you call him?

Cheers

Napoleonic FRENCH 18mm WIPs, DONE!

2011-02-27T20:50:00.000-08:00

BELOW: French line infantry, 1814!

Hi All
Here is some final results for the 18mm Napoleonic French I've been working on.
(See here: CLICK).
Below: French Line Infantry 1814. Most wearing their Greatcoats as the try to stem the advancing allies drives into France. They are either AB or Fantassin Miniatures. Based for 'Lassale'. Painted using the ARMY PAINTER method.

ABOVE: French 'Elites' dash forward to peper the enemy with skirmish fire. Based individually, I can use them for either 'Lasalle' as Skirmish Markers or for SHARP PRACTICE.
Below: French Curassiers under fire!
All AB Miniatures, (might be Battle Honours Miniatures).

They were a rush job, but look ok. Good enough for gaming anyway, I think.

Feel free to leave a comment.

Cheers

Johnny Reb! 28mm Perry Plastics

2011-02-15T00:49:00.000-08:00

ABOVE: Ned Armpit, Confederate patriot!
Hi All
Just the first of my Rebs for TERRIBLE SHARP SWORD, (a Sharp Practice variant for the ACW).
The Miniatures are Perry Plastics, and painted using the 'Army Painter' method.

Cheers!

WIP 28mm NAPOLEONICS.A French Gunner, French Gunners, and Brits who met French gunners!

2011-02-14T23:57:00.000-08:00

ABOVE and BELOW: The results of Artillery fire, or a Big Night on the town? Perry Casualties from the British Line Infantry Plastics box set.

Hi!

I thought I'd share some pics of Works In Progress, (WIP).

BELOW: The Eureka Miniatures 28mm Napoleon. A nice simple sculpt of the great Gunner himself. Not actually a WIP, (he's finished)

Could It be that the model is based on this painting?

BELOW: The Emperor from behind.

Here we have some of EUREKA's excellent 28mm Revolutionary War French Artillerymen.They just need to be based and have their Piece (8 Pounder) provided.

As usual, I painted the miniatures using the 'Army Painter' method.

I'll base these guys for use with both 'LASALLE' and 'SHARP PRACTICE' rules.

Cheers

28mm French Naval Artillery, 1813. 2nd Regt

2011-02-14T23:36:00.000-08:00

I've always wanted to created this Regiment in miniature. Ever since reading about them and their 3 sister Regiments in Francois-Guy HOUURTOULLE's 'Soldiers and Uniforms of the Napoleonic Wars'. Being a Gunner myself, any Artillery Regiment holds my interest. Naval Artillery and deployed as Infantry was just too tempting,...
I used Mainly PERRY miniatures. Most are Flank Company figures from the Plastics Box Set, but there are also some 3rd/4th Regt Imperial Guard from the Perry's 1815 Campaign Set. There are also some VICTRIX Old Guard figs with Bearskin wearing heads replaced with Shako wearing heads from the Line infantry box set.
BELOW: A Battalion from the 2nd Regt advances!

I attempted some 'modifications' by adding 'rips' to some trousers and coats with 'greenstuff'. Below is a Gunner from the Regiment with a 'greenstuff' rip in his trouser knee.

BELOW: Another 'greenstuff' mod. This time the young officer with 'tatty trousers'.

BELOW: The Battalion from behind.

BELOW: Skirmishers! The two gunners in Greatcoats are from the VICTRIX OLD GUARD set with heads wearing shakos from the VICTRIX Line Infantry set.

I've based them for both 'LASALLE' and 'SHARP PRACTICE', (two cracking good rule sets IMHO).

I painted them using the 'ARMY PAINTER' method, (block colours, dip, and spray).

All I need do to finish the unit off is get my hands on a Flag to go with the Eagle.

So who make a Naval Artillery flag?

Feel free to leave a comment!

1814 French in 18mm. WIP

2011-02-14T22:49:00.000-08:00

ABOVE: French Infantry in Greatcoats. Year? 1814!
Hi All
Here are some photos of some 18mm French miniatures I'm working on. Almost done. Just flocking of the bases and flags to be added. Miniatures are a mix of AB miniatures and FANTASSIN Miniatures. All were painted using the 'ARMY PAINTER' method, (as explained elsewhere on my blog).
BELOW: The Battalion with Skirmishers deployed. All based for my perfered rules, 'LASALLE'.

BELOW: The battalion in Attack Column!

I really like my troops in Greatcoats. Easy to paint and they look like seasoned campaigners to-boot,..

BELOW & BOTTOM: The Cuirassiers under fire!

Above and below are my Cuirassiers, (another WIP).

I didn't have enough miniatures for a full unit, so I tossed in some casualties and created a Regt 'under fire'.

All are AB Miniatures.

Feel free to leave a comment!

Cheers

Trailape Out!

BLOGS OF WAR!

2011-01-06T13:53:00.000-08:00

Hi
Just a quick post to point you guys towards a excellent little BLOG that lists over 900 wargame related BLOGS:
BLOGS OF WAR
Check it out,..
Cheers

Now for something out of left field,..

2010-12-19T02:30:00.001-08:00

ABOVE: "GET YOUR OWN BLOODY HORSE HOT STUFF"!
Hi All
Now these pictures probably don't really belong on this Blog, but "Hey", there are some nice miniatures here.
First is Saint George and his epic struggle with the Dragon. I painted this model about 5 years ago I think. I bothed the Saint's eyes, but other than that he's OK I guess.

ABOVE: Raechel's Girls!
Next are some photos of some SHADOWFORGE Manga Girls my beautiful wife Raechel painted. What's so annoying is she picked up a brush about 6 years ago and knocked these out straight away. There she is, never painted before and she paints these.
I've been painting for about 33 years and I still can't paint this good.
Makes me want to punch her,...
BELOW: "TAXI"!

Below:
A figure she call's "RAECHEL" ('cause she look a little like her)

Finally.

Below is a Figure I painted whilst Raechel was a Staff Cadet.

Every now and then Raech paints up a few miniatures for me. Normally 'character' or 'Command' miniatures.

Bless her,...

Cheers!

One Can Never Have Too Much (GERMAN!) ARTILLERY!

2010-12-19T01:11:00.000-08:00

ABOVE: Saxon Horse Artillery!
Hi All
Another quick post, (WOW, two in one afternoon)!
Here is some pictures of some Saxon, Bavarian and Westphalian artillery recently painted for me by my buddy Danl (of GUNNERS WARGAMING fame). I've based them for LASALLE! Miniatures are from the AB MINIATURES stable and obtained from Eureka Miniatures.
BELOW: Bavarian Foot and Horse Gunners and their "Dogs Of War"!

BELOW: Napoleon's 'Daughters' with Westphalian Gunners 'Mein Gott'!.

Being a 'Gunner' myself, I just love the Guns!

Cheers & MERRY CHRISTMAS!

Trailape OUT!

Through The Mud and The Blood: WW1 Germans in 15mm

2010-12-19T00:10:00.000-08:00

ABOVE: Some of my recently painted "BLUE MOON MINIATURES" WW1 Germans. A "Big Man (German Officer) and a HMG.
Hi All
Just a quick post to share some pictures of some recently purchased BLUE MOON Miniatures. I bought them from OLD GLORY in the US.
Long story short: My mate Stan and I decided to dabble in WW1, but what rules and scale?
We settled on TOO FAT LARDIES: "Throught The Mud and The Blood" rules, (as we both thought SHARP PRACTICE played really well, and I'm a big fan of their WW2 set, "I AIN'T BEEN SHOT MUM").
Next we settled on 15mm, as we both had plenty of terrain in that scale. Last choice to make was on figures.
With the release of BLUE MOON's excellent WW1 ramge, and the massive 40% discount from OLD GLORY it was a 'NO BRAINER'!
The added bonus is they are so easy to paint. Simply spray with "German Field Grey" (a Tamiya paint), touch up with a bit of flesh, green, brown and khaki. Next dip and spray with a 'anti-shine' varnish, flock and you're done.
I based the figs on old 1 cent pieces for the ordinary soldiers, and 2 cent pieces for the 'Big Men', (NCOs and Officers).
Though not spectacular results, I did get a Platoon of Germans on the table in record time!
BELOW: Jerries clear a town somewhere in Flanders,..

BELOW: Some of the BLUE MOON 15mm Germans base coated and based on old coins I had lying about.
I've included the pictures so you can see how nice these miniatures are. The Tanks are really nice, and I'll post pictures of some painted "LAND SHIPS" soon.

BELOW: An undercoated "BIG MAN" on a Aussie 2 Cent piece. What deeds of valour will he perform, (once painted)?

Feel free to leave a comment!

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

Trailape OUT!

Ancients: The ARMY PAINTER way!

2010-11-15T21:42:00.001-08:00

Hi All
I thought I'd share some pictures of some ancients I've just knocked over using the ARMY PAINTER System of "base colours, dip and spray".

The results might not be up there with the likes of my mate Gunner Dunbar, (though that wasn't going to happen any time soon anyway); but they do produce acceptable wargaming units that won't cause me to feel embarrased when I put them on a table.

First some Romans.

(Above and Below): An OLD GLORY 28mm miniatures Caesar, from their "Caesar's Gallic Wars" range

BELOW: ESSEX Miniatures LATE Roman Cavalry

BELOW: A Foundry Miniatures Celt:

BELOW: 1st Corps Miniatures SLAVE REVOLT figures

BELOW: Some more 1st Corps miniatures

FINALLY: BIG BILLY, (named in honour of Billy Connolly)! A giant of a man. This chap is a FOUNDRY MINIATURES figure. Not the kind of fellow you'd want to bump into in a dark Gallic or British forest,..

Feel free to leave a comment!
Cheers!

My "TOO FAT LARDIES" projects

2010-11-15T02:48:00.000-08:00

Above: A Fenlon Miniatures Union Soldier. The Only 28mm ACW figure in my collection; until recently!
With the purchase of a copy of Too Fat Lardies: TERRIBLE SHARP SWORD and SHARP PRACTICE I've launched into gaming the War Between the States. The figure was painted using the ARMY PAINTER system of "Base colours, Dip, and Spray".

Hi All
Well, I've started mustering the troops for my two new projects, namely WW1 and the American Civil War.
I'll be using TOO FAT LARDIES rules for both; "Through The Mud And The Blood" for WW1 and the SHARP PRACTICE expansion "TERRIBLE SHARP SWORD" for the ACW (obviously).
First I whipped out my OLD GLORY Army Card (40% OFF! WooooHooo), and purchased about 300 15mm WW1 British and German Infantry and about 6 tanks each; plus a swag of Heavy and Light MGs.
(I'll purchase the Artillery from either Peter Pig or QRF Miniatures, as Old Glory doesn't have any Artillery ready to go yet).

Ever since I saw the movie "THE RED BADGE OF COURAGE" (the version with "John Boy Walton" in it), I've had an interest in the American Civil War. The Movies "GLORY", "GETTYSBURG" and "GODS AND GENERALS" really cemented in my mind I had to get some Rebs and Yanks and "have at it".
For my 28mm ACW project I purchased my Artillery Pieces and Cassions from OLD GLORY; 6 Guns and 6 Cassions for about $19.20 per pack was just to good an offer to pass up. I also purchased an Old Glory 2nd Edition "Boxed Set" of Confederate "Firing Line", (38 miniatures for $22.80!!!). Hopefully they will arrive within the next couple of weeks.
In addition to the OLD GLORY stuff I also purchased some Perry Plastics:
108 Infantry and 12 Cavalry, all from WARLORDS GAMES in the form of their special "Infantry Brigade Deal". They arrived today!
With FREE POSTAGE and no VAT I got them for less than $76.00! I also purchased from MIND GAMES in Melbourne a can of ARMY PAINTER "Navy Blue" to spray my "Billy Yanks".
BELOW: The Warlord Games Infantry Brigade Deal and a Can of ARMY PAINTER Navy Blue

But I still needed to get some Perry Metals, so I also ordered:

1 x ACW28 Confederate Infantry in 'shell jackets' skirmishing
1x ACW29 Union Infantry in sack coats skirmishing
1 x ACW37 Confederate Infantry command running
2 x ACW38 Confederate Infantry in ‘shell jackets’ running, right shoulder shift
1 x ACW39 Confederate Infantry command standing
1 x ACW40 Union infantry command in sack coats standing

So that gives me about 200 Infantry, 12 Cavalry and 6 Guns and Limbers / Cassions.

Now, I'm aiming to have per "side" about 150 infantry, 12 Cavalry and 3 Guns (and 12-15 Gunners) per side.
I also will need about 3 mounted Officers and Dismounted Cavalry at a 1:1 Ratio to mounted; (so that's 9 Dismounted Troopers "fighting" and 3 horse holders with 12 horses per side).

With that in mind my next order from the PERRY's will be :

1 x ACW3 Union Generals mounted
2 x ACW7 Dismounted Union cavalry skirmishing
1 x ACW8 Dismounted Confederate cavalry skirmishing
1 x ACW9 Union horse holder, plus 4 horses
1 x ACW10 Confederate horse holder, plus 4 horses

And just to add som e variety, and to provide the gunners for my OLD GLORY Artillery Peices I'll get the following miniatures from SASH AND SABER

1 x CS10 Horse Holder and 4 horses

1 x US10 Horse Holder and 4 horses

1 x US3 Federal Artillerists

1 x CS3 Confederate Artillerists

That should take care of my Dismounted Cavalry and Gunners!

All I will need then to finish my mounted arm is 12 "Mounted" Cavalry, (either another box of Perry Plastics or maybe some SASH AND SABER metals)

That leaves me to russel up the last of the infantry and 3 more Mounted Officers.
Hmmmmm,.... do I go with the OLD GLORY 2nd Edition Box sets ( about 3 boxes ought to do it), or a mix of Perry Plastics and Metals?

Maybe a mix of Perry Metals and OG2nd Ed!?
Or, maybe some Sash and Saber metals,....
This isn't going to be easy.
Cheers

What's Next

2010-10-29T01:49:00.000-07:00

Hi!

Well, I've not had time to scratch my butt let alone add anything to my blogs of late. That should change soon. In two weeks time I begin a two and a half month break from work. Tons of stuff to do around the house, but also more time for painting and (solo?) gaming.

So what's next?

Well, I've got plans to paint up the last of my 18mm AB miniatures! I say "last", and by that I mean "for now".

French Curassiers and Dragoons, Brunswick Infantry, and 1806 Saxons.

Also, more (lots more) of 28mm Eureka, Victrix and Perry Napoleonics and OLD GLORY, Perry and Eureka "Age Of Reason / American Revolution" figs. OH, and some Minden Miniatures French Artillery.

Then of course there is a swag of 15mm BLUE MOON World War One (WWI) Germans and Brits on their way from the god 'ol US of A to paint up. Then I can start playing "THROUGH THE MUD & THE BLOOD", (MaD).

Which leads nicely into a rave about TOO FAT LARDIES and their awesome rules.

Their rules, such as MaD, "SHARP PRACTICE" (SP), "I AINT BEEN SHOT MUM" (IABSM) and "KISS ME HARDY" (KmH) really are fantastic. I'll be downloading their latest offering, "TERRIBLE SHARP SWORD" (TSS) tonight.

Consequently the PERRY's can expect a HUGE order for some of their cracking good ACW figures.

Check out their BLOG : LARD ISLAND NEWS! (Highly recommended regardless if you have a hankering for all things "Lardy" or not).

Anyway, enough for now, I must go undercoat some 28mm Foundry TROJANS for my TROJAN WAR Project,...

Now for something completely different,..

2010-07-04T05:50:00.001-07:00

Hi
Just so you can see I'm not all "Napoleonic", here is some other recently completed work.
Below: Two recently completed battalions for my Imagi-Nation.

Miniatures are from the EUREKA MINIATURES "Age Of Reason" 28mm range.
Flags are by MAVERICK MODELS, and designed by me.

BELOW: Another Giant I've just finished for my daughter's Warhammer Fantasy Collection. I got him 2nd hand, did a bit of a re-paint and replaced his hands / weapons. A good result I think,..

"AAARRRRRRGGGGHHHHH!, me crush little man,.."!!!

Cheers

AAR: Final Push at La Santa Haya!

2010-06-05T00:26:00.000-07:00

Hi All
Long time between blogs, but finally got something to share. Last week a mate of mine and I played a scenario straight out of the Lasalle rule book: "FINAL PUSH AT LA HAIE SAINTE". Obviously the scenario is based on the closing moments of the Battle of Waterloo. Unfortunatly for me, my British are based on the Peninsular Campaign, NOT The 100 Days. Consequently Mark and I fought "The Final Push at La Santa Haya".
The ORBATs were as follows:
The Brit OOB was:
1 x Battalion 95th Rifles
2 x "English" Battalions (32nd Foot and 52nd "Light")
2 x KGL Battalions
2 x Dragoons (should be KGL Lt Dragoons, but we used Heavies)
1 x Med RA Battery (should have been Rockets, but I only have Guns)
FRENCH OOB was:
4 x Line Battalions of the 8th Ligne Regt
3 x Light Battalions of the 13th Legere Regt
1 x MED Horse Battery
2 x Cuirassiers (large). One Regt was a Carabinier Regt. The Scenario has these as NORMAL sized units. For some reason I made them LARGE,.... (oooops)

ABOVE: The French 8th Ligne Battalions Advance
BELOW:The French 13th Legere Battalions step off, with the Horse Artillery deploying in the background.

BELOW: The KGL Battalions deploy behind the sunken road, with the Royal Artillery Battery between the two Infantry unis. Behind them are the two Dragoon Regiments.

BELOW: The 95th Rifles deployed in the tree lined sunken road.

BELOW: A British 52nd Light Infantry Battalion deployed beside the lads from the 95th.

BELOW: The KGL and RA Battery await the advancing French Ligne Battalions.

BELOW: The French Horse Artillery Open Fire on the British left flank. Their fire was rather telling all game! BON! Most of their fire fell on the 32nd Foot, but some roundshot bounced through onto the Dragoons redeploying.

BELOW: Mark moves one of his Dragoon Regiments to support his left flank. The fact they were out of command for much of the game hampered their ability to rally off disruption they suffered from bounce through fire sustained as the carried out this redeployment from the British Right Flank to their Left flank. Notice the DISR markers on the 32nd,...

BELOW: The British CinC positioned behind the 95th. "I say, those Frog guns are doing some harm,.."!

BELOW: The KGL Battalions and RA Battery let loose on the French Line Battalions. The RA Battery fired poorly, (must have been the gauling fire from the French skirmish screen,..). The "German" Infanrty did some execution however.

BELOW: Volley's smash into the flower of French youth, as seen from the French side.

BELOW: The far right KGL Battalion CHARGES one of the French Ligne Battalions. The Germans were repelled, but rallied and fired a devastating volley that broke the Frogs.

BELOW: The decisive moment of the game. The Dragoons CHARGE the 1st Battalion of the French 8th Ligne Regt. The Battalion formed square,and the nearby Carabiniers counter-charged the Dragoons! Thanks to some spectacular dice rolling the French heavies broke the British Dragoons!

BELOW: CHARGE!!!

BELOW: As the Cavalry clash, the infantry blaze away!

BELOW: The 1st Battalion (with Tricolour and Eagle), 8th Ligne form Line from Square as the Carabiniers head for the Brit Artillery!. The remnants of the far left French battalion are seen staggering about,... ("sob")

BELOW: As seen from above.

BELOW: The Carabiniers crash over the RA Battery.

BELOW: The French Cuirassiers threaten the British 32nd Foot (now in Square) as the KGL Battalion on thier right try and hold off two battalions from the 8th Ligne.

BELOW: The 95th facing the French "lights".

ABOVE: Last photo from the game. 32nd in Square. Not long after the two French Battalions swept away the KGL battalion. Game over for the Brits who failed their moral test.

Game time: 2.5 hours.

Result: Lots of Fun!

Feel free to leave a comment!

Cheers.

AAR Battle at SEPÚLVEDA, 1808

2010-04-13T04:53:00.000-07:00

Hi All

I thought I’d share an After Action Report (AAR) of a recent LASALLE Game I and my good mate Mark played today.

The Scenario we played was based on a LASALLE Scenario plucked from the HONOUR SCENARIOS WIKI. The engagement was based on the Battle at SEPÚLVEDA, 1808, (prelude to Somosierra)

http://sites.google.com/site/honourscenarios/scenario-somosierra-30-november-1808/scenario-sepulveda

Now, I hate to sound like a prat, but for me, the scenario wasn’t terribly well written. It was unclear to me what parts of the river were fordable (based on the diagram provided), and the ORBATs seemed incomplete as there was what appears to be reference to Artillery in the text:

“Only a few gunfires are the farewell of the French forces that are obliged to retire”.

Yet there is no mention of Artillery in either force!

I think part of the problem might stem from the author of the scenario not having English as his (her?) first language.

Consequently Mark and I decided to give each side a Battery of Artillery (4 x Medium Guns for the Spanish, and 3 Medium Guns and a Howitzer for the French).

We also decided that the river along the front of the high ground would be fordable, and the Spanish would initially be compelled to stay 20cm back from the edge of the hills until the French started to cross the river.

Another modification to the scenario was the fact i didn’t have 4 Battalions of Fusilier Grenadiers at hand. Consequently we used one Battalion of Young Guard and 3 battalions of grizzled Veterans, (all were Valiant/Experienced/SK2)

The only other difference was that we allowed the French to have ENGINEER support.

So, here is the MODIFIED ORBATS:

French order of battle:

Imperial Young Guard Infantry Brigade (Vigor +1/ Tactics -1)- General Savary.

1eme Young Guard, (1 batalions/unit) Valiant/Experienced/SK2

57eme Line, (3 batalions/units) Valiant/Experienced/SK2

Lasalle´s cavalry Brigade. (Vigor +1/ Tactics +1) - General Lasalle

10eme Chasseurs a Cheval ,. Valiant/Experienced/Pursuit

9eme Dragoons, Valiant/Experienced/Pursuit

1 Line Artillery a Pied, 3 x Med Gun, 1 x How.

(BELOW) General Lasalle!

Spanish order of battle:

Brigada mixta de infantería y caballería.(*)

Commander in chief General Serdaigne. (Vigor -1 Tactics – 0)

Infantry.

Combined Grenadier, (1 batallón/unit) . Reliable/Experienced/SK1

Regimiento de infantería de línea Jaen, (2 batallones/units) Reliable/Amateur/SK 1.

Regimiento de infantería de Royal Fusiliers, (2 batallones/units) Unpredictable/Amateur/SK 1

Voluntarios de Sevilla, 1 batallón/unit. Shaky/Amateur/SK 1

Cavalry: Reales Carabineros, (150 troopers aprox.) and Regimiento de línea Alcántara y Montesa, (400 troopers aprox) (1 unit)(**) Shaky/Amateur

1 x Artillery Battery 4 x Med Guns

So how did the game play out?

The deployments can be seen in the photo below:

The Spanish (Me), deployed with the bulk of the infantry to the left of the Battery. Only one Battalion of Regimiento de infantería de Royal Fusiliers was to the right of the Battery. The Combined Grenadiers were held in reserve and the Cavalry was posted behind the Battery.

The Volunteers of Sevilla would move off to garrison the town as soon as the French crossed the river.

(BELOW) The Spanish Deployment.

Marks plan saw all his Cavalry massed on his left, with his infantry aimed at my left.

The first few turns saw the French move across the river and head up the slopes with drums beating. One battalion of the 57^th peeled of to my left looking to storm the town whilst the rest of the French host pinned the Spanish on the high ground.

The most dramatic event saw both French cavalry units charge up the hills. The 9^th Dragoons heading for the 1^stRoyal Fusiliers, 1^st Battalion, and the Chasseurs charged the Battery!

The Fusiliers formed Square, but were cut down and sent fleeing to the rear, but the gunners stood to their guns and blasted the 10^th Chasseurs a Cheval.

The French light cavalry bounced back, only to be blasted a second time and sent fleeing. General Lasalle himself, at the head of the 10^th Chasseurs a Cheval was wounded, and saw no further action in the battle.

The 9^th Dragoons, flushed with success over the Spanish Square now charged on towards the shaky Spanish horsemen’s flank. Amazingly the Spanish cavalry calmly changed facing and met the dragoons head on. The Spanish cavalry repulsed the Dragoons and then charged after them, routing them!

In two turns the entire French cavalry force had been put to flight!

Meanwhile the French infantry continued their advance up the slope. Both Battalions of the Spanish Regimiento de infantería de línea Jaen advanced to meet them.

The initial fire fight went badly for the Spanish, (that extra die for skirmish advantage for the French does tell). Consequently I decided cold steal was a better option than hot lead and ordered both battalions to charge.

One battalion was routed, (first being reppeled then finished off with a follow up charge by the French); however the 2^nd Battalion faired better. Although their charge was repelled, they reformed and delivered a devastating volley that broke the Frenchmen opposite them.

At the same time the Young Guard was taking withering fire from the Battery, who was plastering them with canister fire. Try as the Young Guard might, they couldn’t rally off all the disruption that was being inflicted upon them.

(BELOW): General savary orders the withdrawal while a relieved General Serdaigne and his escort call it a day.

Sensing victory would not be possible, General Savary reluctantly ordered a withdrawal,..

This was the second time I played this scenario. The first time I played it against another mate of mine, the French went much closer to winning, but still had to retire. Both games played differently, but in the end, (just like in the real battle), it was just too much of an ask for the French.

I enjoyed the game, and i think Mark did also. The game was knocked over in a little over two hours.

Below are photos from the game.
The Early part of the game. As the French start to cross the river, the Spanish battery opens up.

BELOW: The Spanish Battery continues to fire as the Spanish 1t Battalion of the Royal Fusiliers forms square
BELOW: The two Battalions of the Regimiento de infantería de línea Jaen await the French!

BELOW: The same situation, but from the fiew of the French 57th Line (1st and 2nd battalions)

BELOW: The Spanish Battery and the 1st Battalion of the Royal Fusiliers (in square) receive the French Cavalry

BELOW: Crunch time approaches for the Spanish on the left!

BELOW: The Spanish infantry in square have been swept away, and now the 9th Dragoons are sweeping towards the Spanish Cav. The Spanish Guns make ready to deliver a final blast of canister into the wavering 10th Chasseurs a Cheval.

BELOW: The Militia garrison the town, as the 3rd Battalion of the French 57th approach.

BELOW: The 2nd Battalion of the 57th advance through the hole where the 2nd Spanish Linea Jaen was. The Combined Grenadiers ready to plug the gap,..

BELOW: The 2nd Battalion Linea Jaen delivers a crashing volley into the 1st Battalion of the 57th,... (they are no more). The Young Guard continue to take withering fire from the Battery and the 2nd battalion of the Royal Fusiliers

BELOW: The French 3rd Battalion of the 57th Line halt just short of the town, "Mon Du, is that the re-call I hear"?

BELOW: The end!

Feel free to leave a comment.

Cheers

More Painting Complete!

2010-04-13T00:02:00.000-07:00

LEFT: A PERRY MINIATURES Officer painted by me using the ARMY PAINTER method.
Hi All
It’s time for another update.

This time here are some pictures of AB Miniatures 18mm and Perry and Victrix 28mm figures I’ve recently finished. I painted them all using the “Army Painter” (AP), method.

I start with spraying the miniature with Flat Black paint, except for the Portuguese Cacadores, (I used Brown as the base coat for them). Next, I painted the miniature with “block” colours and then “slopped” on AP Strong Tone dip. Finally I sprayed them with AP anti-shine varnish. Base and flock, then play!

First here is some French Artillery I painted up.

Now it must be said that in the first picture the gunners were painted by DRAGON PAINTING SERVICE, (DPS) but the guns, and the the remaining Gunners were painted by me. Most are AB Miniatures, but you will notice some FANTASSIN Miniatures (guns and gunners) also. The Destroyed guns are from EUREKA MINIATURES.

(Below) AB Miniature Gunners (with DPS Painted Gunners on Nos 1,2, and 3 Guns) The 4th AB Miniature gun and Gunners were painted by me.

(Below): A mix of AB and FANTASSIN Miniature Guns and Gunners painted by me.

(BELOW) The massed guns. Every Gunners dream!

Now lets look at some 28mm figures. Here is acomparison photo of the VICTRIX (R) and PERRY (L) NCOs with Pennants. The Perry figure comes as one of 6 figures in the code FN13 "Line Infantry NCO" pack. The Victrix figure came with a Multi Box deal, so I don't know if you can buy him as an individual figure.

(BELOW): The VICTRIX and PERRY NCO side by side

I think you'd agree both are great figures.

Next is some PERRY "Voltigeurs" (code FN8), that I've painted as Grenadiers and a PERRY Officer

Back to 18mm AB Miniatures again. Here are some Portuguese Cacadores and Militia.

(Below):A mixed Militia unit. The guys in back with the Sky Blue Plumes are the 18th Militia. The guys in front are from some "non-discript" Militia unit.

Next we have some British.

First, some "Skirmish" bases for LASALLE. Two figs to a base represent a skirmish value of "2". You might notice a base with 3 figures? These are for my "Elite" 6 base unit, (with a skirmish value of "3").

(Below) A Light Infantry unit of 4 bases for LASALLE.

(ABOVE AND BELOW): Casualty markers.

Finally, I found some Austrian Figures lying around so I thought I'd paint the up.

The Hungarian Grenadiers aren't fully painted yet, (the Drum and Hats still need finishing). The Hussars are finished however,..

I have no intention of making an Austrian army; though they do look cool,...

"Must resist urge to start another 18mm Napoleonic army,.... Already have too many projects,..... Must resist,......." (Sigh)

Feel free to leave a comment.

Trailape Out.

New Releases from AB and EUREKA

2010-03-21T00:57:00.000-07:00

ABOVE: A EUREKA MINIATURES French Chasseur a Cheval Trumpeter!

ABOVE: Two shots of 28mm Chasseurs a Cheval from EUREKA.
Hi All.
I 've just got back from a visit to EUREKA MINIATURES and thought I'd show you what's been recently produced by Nic's team.

First; some very nice 28mm French Chasseurs a Cheval. I purchased the Troopers in the "Long" tailed coat, but you can purchase these French Light Cavalry in Short Tails and in the Waist hugging "Hussar Style" jacket. Also available are Troopers wearing the "Tarlton" style helmet rather than Shako.
Another little gem is a model of the "Little Corporal", Napoleon.
These 28mm Figures from EUREKA are not yet on their web site, so no ordering codes yet,..
Another FANTASTIC (and long awaited?) release is French Dragoon and Cuirassier casualties; (4 of each type). These are AB Miniatures 18mm figures. I understand that these will be followed by the French "Light" cavalry types. The horses, (again, 4 different horses in various poses), are the same for both Cuirassiers and Dragoons. These will be very useful for my prefered rules; LASALLE. I do wish there was some models of troopers still "in the saddle" either falling off "hit" or maybe on the horse as it's crashing down.
BELOW: CUIRASSIER Casualties, (sorry for the blurry pics)

BELOW: The dead and wounded DRAGOONS.

Meanwhile; in the Peninsular,...

2010-02-28T02:25:00.000-08:00

Hi.
Just a quick BLOG. Here are some miniatures I just finished.
Above is a Spanish "Divisional Command" base for LASALLE! the figures are sculpts from Mike Broadbent, and part of the Grenadier Productions "Liberators" range. This is a range of 18mm figures for the Wars of Liberation in South America, but work fine for my "Rag Tag" Spanish.
Below is one of my Royal Artillery Battery's. Miniatures by AB MINIATURES.

All were painted and based by me and then washed with ARMY PAINTER "Strong Shade"
Cheers

My 15mm / 18mm French Line Infantry.

2010-02-28T00:30:00.001-08:00

ABOVE: Old Glory and AB MINIATURE French Line (top) and Young Guard (bottom) Infantry painted by Reinforcements By Post (RBP). Oh, and YG Fanions by GBM Flags.

Hi All

Here are some photos of my French LINE Infantry 1812.

OKay, the Young Guard are not "Line", but I thought they deserved a showing,..

The majority seen here were either painted by Reinforcements By Post (RBP) or Fernando Enterprise (FE)
BELOW: RBP French Line advancing under fire, and the entire RBP painted Line Infantry Brigade of 6 Battalions; a mix of OG and AB minis.

BELOW: My effort at painting some French line. A mix of AB and OG miniatures. All dipped in ARMY PAINTER Strong Shade.

BELOW: The FE effort; three Line Battalions. A mix of AB and Eureka Miniatures

All are based for AGE OF EAGLES, but I can use them for my prefered rules, "LASALLE" by combining two AoE bases to make one "Lasalle" base.

Cheers

ARMY PAINTER SHADE and 28mm Figures

2010-02-28T00:16:00.000-08:00

Hi All
I've been banging on of late about ARMY PAINTER Shade. All the pictures I've shown you are of 15mm / 18mm figures. I thought I'de show you the effect you get from applying the shade to 28mm figes, including the Games workshop GIANT!

Below: A MINDEN MINIATURES mounted French Officer treated with the Strong Shade

BELOW: ESSEX MINIATURES Roman General

BELOW: A very nice (and expensive) Foundry Miniatures Romano British Standard Bearer.

BELOW: Black Tree Design (left) and OLD GLORY (Right) Early German and Celt.

The same from behind now. As you can see, the Shade really brings out every fold and crease.

All miniatures were painted by me. Feel free to leave comments or ask a question.

Cheers

AB Guard Cavalry Painted with ARMY PAINTER

2010-02-27T23:58:00.000-08:00

Hi All
Here are some more efforts with the ARMY PAINTER Strong Shade.
Two Squadrons of Italian Guard d'Honour are up first.
I used AB MINIATURES Saxon Cavalry miniatures, as I was unaware if anyone made Italian Guard d'Honour. I think FANTASSIN ("Warmodeller") now do, but at the time the AB Miniatures Saxons seemed like the best option.
BELOW: My Italian Guard d'Honour

BELOW: More Guard d'Honour.

Next is my Bavarian Garde du Corps. Again I've Used Saxon Cavalry from the AB MINIATURES stable. The General on the left (as you look), is actually a French Curassier General. The ARMY PAINTER Strong Shade really brought out the detail I think.

These Guys are 1814 Bavarians, so have switch sides and are either "Dastardly Traitors" or "Damb fine Chaps"; (depending on your point of view)

Feel free to leave a comment!

Trailape Out!

AB Miniatures Italians: Painted with ARMY PAINTER

2010-02-25T01:16:00.000-08:00

Above: The Grenadier Company and the Regimental Artillery.
Hi All
I thought I would add some extra units to my Lasalle French Army. I decided Italians would be a nice addition, but only had enough for three bases, (not the 4 that you need to create a Battalion as per the LASALLE rules).
Solution!
I had a 4pdr gun so knocked up a "Regimental" Artillery base.
I painted them using ARMY PAINTER Strong Shade Dip.
Basicaly you just paint in the base colors (or "Block" colours), and then dip, (or "splash on" as I did) the "Shade".
I'm rather impressed with the results, as white can be a real bugger to paint.

ABOVE and BELOW: The left flank companys, Fusiliers and Voltigeurs. (I'm not sure of Italian names for these companys)

BELOW: Grenadiers, Fusiliers and Regimental Artillery.

Unfortunatly in their first game they formed square when threatened by some British "Heavies". The Brit Dragoons had a crack at them all the same and rode right over the top of them; ("Mamma Mia Luigi; did you get the number of that Bus"?!),..

Better luck next time lads!
Feel free to leave a comment..

More 18mm Bavarians

2010-01-29T05:05:00.001-08:00

Hi All
Here are some more pictures of my Bavarians.
I took these pictures to offer to Sam Mustaffa for his LASALLE Bavarian Army List. I was lucky enough to have one photo used. That one is on the Lasalle / HONOUR web site. Below are the photos that didn't make the cut. All were painted by my mate DAN DUNBAR except for the cavarly noted below.
Flags are free downloads from WARFLAG.

Above and Below: Bavarian Infantry.

Above and Below: Yet More Bavarian Infantry

BELOW: Bavarian Cavalry. These guys were painted by DRAGON PAINTING SERVICE.

BELOW:
My Bavarian Light Infantry

All are AB and FANTASSIN 18mm miniatures. Please feel free to leave a comment.

UBIQUE!

Lasalle 18mm CANCON 2010 Demo Game

2010-01-29T04:27:00.000-08:00

ABOVE: My Divisional Commander Base. A damaged 9 pounder with a Captured "Eagle" draped over a wheel. An officer presents a captured standard, (Dragoon I suspect). a wounded officer is carried off by a Gunner and infantryman; "All in a day's work Sir"!

Hi All
Here are some pictures from the LASALLE Demo game that I participated in at CANCON 2010, (CANCON: The Canberra Games Convetion).
My daughter Hayley and I played a game of Lasalle against some friends, (Dave and Zels). Hayley and I trotted out our Penisular British, whilst David and Zels attacked with a French Division. We picked a British Dragoons Brigade (BDE) as our optional Brigade, (and they arrived in the nick of time)!
BELOW: My BDE of an Elite Infantry Battalion (King's German Legion), and a regular battalion. You can see the skirmish bases / markers out front, (5/60th Foot and 95th Rifles)

BELOW: The French close in,..

BELOW: The KGL await the French as they crest the hill.

BELOW: The Dragoons charge to the rescue!

BELOW: "I say, where did those Frenchies go,...?" The Dragoons roll over one of the Veteran French Battalion

BELOW: The KGL battalion holds on for grim life after holding off two French Battalions. A Brit Dragoon Regt disptached one,...

Most figures ar AB Miniatures, with some FANTASSIN Miniatures thrown in.

The Game was great fun. The highlight was the fist full of 5s and 6s Hayley seem to consistantly throw during the Fire Fights with the French attacking her,...

The game seem to get a fair share of passing interest. The EUREKA MINIATURES trade stall sold out all their coppies of LASALLE over the 3 days.

Cheers

EUREKA Miniatures 28mm Dismounted Chasseur

2009-12-22T15:51:00.000-08:00

Hi All

I just returned recently from EUREKA MINIATURES in Melbourne. I went there to purchase some Eureka Miniatures 1806 Saxons for my 1806 Campaign project and Nic showed me one of his latest additions to his 28mm Early French Napoleonics / French Revolutionary Wars Range. A dismounted Chasseur a Cheval at a watering fountain complete with washing maid and what looks like an "old hag".

A cracking good addition to any Early Napoleonic set.

The Chasseur is busy tapping his pipe on the heal of his boot as he leans against at watering fountain. Not to busy to notice the pretty washing maid however.

The "Old hag" seems to be keeping an eye on the Chasseur as she smokes a pipe of her own.

Three horses are having a drink, with one thinking about biting another who looks as if he has just push his way in,...

Fantastic miniatures full of character.

The figures are all "free standing", so can be arranged as you see fit.

I'm not sure who did the sculpting; but "well done" to whomever is responsible!

(UPDATE 24 DEC 09): ALAN MARSH is the sculptor

Anyway, here are some pictures:

BELOW: A close up of the Maid and "Hag".

Cheers

Lasalle; A Battle report: Part 3

2009-12-17T04:39:00.000-08:00

ABOVE: The 33rd Foot Fires a volly at the hard charging 5th Hussars. It wont be enough to halt them and the Englishmen will soon be ridden down! Meanwhile the British 7th Dragoons try to hold back the 1st Hussars and the Lancers

CRUNCH TIME:

Following on after Turn 8 I’ll now run through quickly how the battle played out.

ABOVE: The 33rd's two HITS v the 5th Hussars 5 HITS! "Goodnight the 33rd"!

In the North the French 1^st Hussars and Lancers charged into the Brit’s 7^th Dragoons as the French 5^th Hussars charged the 33^rd Foot. The 33^rd failed to form square and were ridden down.

In the centre the French launched an assault on the town with Engineer Support. The Spanish Militia rolled very badly and were bundled out of the town with heavy losses. Their efforts for the day were at an end.

BELOW: The Spanish Militia try to hold back the keen French conscripts, but it's all to no avail.

ABOVE: The 69th fires a volly then charges the French.

BELOW: The 69th and 44th Foot attack the French! The French Dragoons test to counter-charge and pass. The cry of "Vive Le France"! is screamed as the Dragoons sweep forward,..

The 69th Foot suffer two in-conclusive results and are driven back!

In the south the Veteran French battalions, supported by the Dragoons, launched a co-ordinated attack on the 69^th and 44^th Foot. The 69^th Charged downhill at the French Battalion threatening them, only to be counter-charged by the Dragoons. They had an inconclusive result against the Dragoons, but were bested by the French Infantry and withdrew back to their start point, worse for wear. The 44^th didn’t succeed either, and were driven back. To make matter worse, the 44^th now had a Conscript Battalion threatening their right flank!

BELOW: The 44th Fire a Volley and then Charge the French Veterans!

BELOW: The RA Battery fires but roll only 1 "6"!

Back to the North sector, and the 7^th Dragoons finally broke under the combined weight of the 1^st Hussars and their Lancer comrades. The only good news was the success of the fresh and rested 2^nd Dragoons charging and routing the French 5^th Hussars, blown after destroying the 33^rd Foot; and the 1^st Foot Guards managed to drive back the Conscript Battalions. But now the Foot Guards had the Victorious French Battalion that had stormed the town pouring out behind them, and the French Chasseurs a Cheval were forming to charge the only British cavalry on the battlefield, the tired 2^nd Dragoons.

BELOW: The 1st Foot Guards score 5 HITS to the French 3 Hits

The British commander conceded defeat and ordered a withdrawal.

BELOW: The 2nd Dragoons and The Foot Guards are successful, but "the jig is up"!

FINAL THOUGHTS:

The rules are very easy to understand and they give what I consider a realistic result.
They are often described as "a clean set of rules", and by that I suspect people mean you don't get bogged down in piles of charts. I particularly like the way "Skirmishers" are tackled. You get the "eye candy" by using "Markers" to represent their presence, (that is if you want to use markers); but none of the hassle of having to "fiddle around" with companies of lights when all you want to do is drive your Bridage forward. They ARE there, and their effects are obvious, just none of the hassle game-wise.
Artillery is also well handled, with bounce through a consideration and Canister fire can be devastating!
The use of Engineers / Sappers to assist in clearing field works and other defences is also well simulated.

I do wish the index was more detailed, but this is a minor point because the rules a written in a way that make referencing a breeze,…

Getting use to the idea that in your turn you are the DEFENDER takes a bit of getting use to, but once accepted the game flows very easily.

This is a game that rewards a combined arms approach and the maintenance of a reserve.
I'm very impressed!

EXTRA NOTES:

I played the game over 3 days, (because I was in the process of moving my apartment to my house, had a ton of "end of year" functions to attend, and have a very demanding 14mth old).
It would have gone for about 4.5 to 5 hours I think.
Now that I'm across the rules, about 3 hours would have done it.

What I meant by (to para-phrase) "..the rules reward a player who maintains a reserve" is just that. If you (the player) can maintain troops in reserve and be the last player to commit them you'll probably be victorious. In my game the Brits had thrown everything in, and the French still had the Chasseurs a Cheval and about 2 fresh, uncommited Battalions to throw in. Even though the 2nd Dragoons and 1st Foot Guards were doing well, they would soon be countered by Fresh units, or Infantry in their rear, (thanks to the failures of the Spanish militia to hold the town and the final collapse of the 7th Dragoons). The Highlanders would have been better off as a central reserve, (behind the town), and the 33rd should have formed square earlier, (probably on the reverse slope of Northen Hill).

Thoughts on bases for 28mm:

I'll probably go with 40mm square bases with 4 figs (2 x 2).
45mm x 40mm with a frontage of 3 figs in 2 ranks would also look good.

Trailape OUT!

P.S. You can find a detailed review of "Lasalle" at the RULES DIRECTORY. (Highly Recommended)

LASALLE; A Battle Report: Part 2

2009-12-13T03:27:00.000-08:00

The Opposing Plans

To make things simple I gave all Sub-Commanders a Vigour of 0, but I did add an advance play option of Engineer support to the French, (to be used in the inevitable assault on the town of Pyranesia).

The French plan called for a direct assault on both flanks to pin those British troops there down, and hopefully to draw any reserves away from the center (Town). Once this was done a Battalion or two supported by engineers and the Divisional Battery would storm the town and rupture the British center.

The Veteran Brigade under General De Brigade Champine on the right would be tasked with seizing South Ridge. The Division’s Dragoons would be in support.

The Conscript Brigade would be under the direct command of the General de Division Faint. Their task would be to keep the British on Northern Hill distracted whilst also capturing the town. They would have the Divisional Battery in direct support as well as having a Company of engineers tasked to help take the town.

The Light Brigade of Hussars, (5th and 1st), Lancers and Chasseurs would sweep around the left flank. General de Brigade Grochy would command. The Horse artillery would assist as required.

The British plan was simple. Hold both Northern Hill and Southern Ridge. The Local Spanish militia would defend the town. The Dragoons, (less their organic RHA Battery) would assist the 1^st Foot Guards and the 33^rd foot in holding Northern Ridge. The Infantry Brigade Commander was Major General Taff.

The two Dragoon Regiments (2nd and 7th) were under command of Colonel Cusbert-Smyth.

The Divisional Commander, Lt General Cambridge would command the 44^th, 69^th, 42^nd and the Minden Battery on the British left flank.

The Militia were also under his command, (apparently).

TURN 1:

The French advance along the entire front.

Turn 2:

The Minden Battery, Royal Artillery (RA), opens a Long Range bombardment from the ridge towards the Combined Swiss -Croatian Battalion. No hits, (not surprising given the long range, difference in height and intervening woods). The 42^nd moves to the Southern Ridge sector and the Dragoon Brigade moves to the Northern Hill sector. The Militia move into the town.

Turn 3:

The French Horse artillery dash forward and deploy their guns near North Farm.

The Divisional Artillery deploy opposite the town. The Infantry of both Brigades march forward. Some of the Infantry of both Brigades start to pick their way through the woods. The Light Brigade splits with the Chasseurs and Lancers heading to the north of North farm and both Hussar regiments advancing between the farm and Darks Forrest.

Turn 4:

The British Battery fires again and score a hit, but this doesn’t cause any disruption, (Dist). The British Dragoons advance in March column toward the northern end of the hill.

Turn 5:

The French Horse gunners fire at the British 2nd Dragoons and score two hits= 1 Dist! The remainder of the French host continue to advance. The woods and forests hamper some of the battalions.

Turn 6:

The RA Fire again. Their gunners are having a bad day; no hits again. The 33d Foot change to "Attack Column" formation and advance to cover the 1^st Foot Guards right flank. The 7^th Dragoon change formation to “Abreast” in an effort to cover the 2nd Dragoons . The 2nd try to recover but can’t get rid of their one Dist.

TURN 7:

The French Horse Artillery fires at the 7^th Dragoons. No Hits! The 1st Hussars charge the 7^th Dragoons! The French infantry close in on the British,..

TURN 8:

The British RA Battery fires at the combined Swiss – Croatian Battalion as it emerges from the woods and scores two hits = 1 DIST! The 7^th Dragoons clash with the 1st Hussars. The Dragoons have the combat advantage of being in “Abreast” formation against the Hussars that are coming on in “Waves”. The Dragoons also have a 2 Dice advantage in being “SHOCK” cavalry. That’s 12 v 8 dice. Both need “5” on each dice to hit.

(Below):

The dice roll! (the Dragoons did roll 12, though only 10 are shown here. the missing two score 1 and 3).

The Hussars pull of a win, but it's an "inconclusive" result. The Dragoons a driven back and suffer 1 DIST. The 1st Hussars also take 1 DIST, but advance after the 7th Dragoons.

TO BE CONTINUED!

LASALLE: A Battle Report: Part 1

2009-12-11T15:23:00.000-08:00

Hi All

I thought I’d post an AAR and Review of Sam A Mustafa’s latest offering “LASALLE”. So what is “Lasalle”?

Well from the HONOUR web page (Lasalle is a rule set within the HONOUR series)

The game is small-scale and tactical in nature, focusing on the movement of individual battalions and regiments of cavalry. The player will manage a small force of roughly a dozen units as he tries to complete some specific mission assigned to him, such as “Hold the village and our bridgehead at all costs!” or: “Drive the French from Plancenoit!”

Lasalle is ideal for a small gaming table, and it plays in real-time with most battles lasting 2-3 hours. It is perfect for pick-up games or tournament play. It therefore includes sample army lists enabling players to collect and paint typical small forces from a large number of possible nationalities.

Right then; let’s see for ourselves!

I’ll admit right from the start I am slightly bias towards Sam Mustafa’s work, (Shock, Horror)!!!.

I have played his MIGHT AND REASON rules for the 7 Years War and really like his FAST PLAY GRAND ARMEE (FPGA) rules. I have high expectations that these rules will be well written in an easy to understand and logical manner that will give a realistic game, (as realistic as any game can be).

You’ll find heaps of reviews of the rules on the web and in various magazines, so I’ll stick to the basics and devote more effort to an actual After Action Report, (“Play Test” so to speak):

Presentation.

The rules are presented in a hard bound book with lots of illustrations and pictures of miniatures in scales from 6mm right up to 40mm. A sturdy book that can take the beatings one normally subjects their rules to; (and NO, I don’t mean actually BEATING your opponent with the book, no matter how tempted to do so).

There are plenty of examples inserted at the appropriate places within the book, with diagrams to ensure that nothing is left in doubt. There are Army lists for the major combatants and most Minor States. Oddly enough there is no list for the USA(!?)

There is a Quick Reference sheet (QRS) of sorts in the book. I say “of sorts” because it’s not a card like QRS, but rather pages. That said, you can download a QRS (exactly the same as that within the book) for free together with an Errata and “Tips and suggestions” and there is already a free Army List for the OTTOMAN EMPIRE. In fact, all future army lists will be available for free! It states in the “ARMY BUILDER section of the book:

“You will never have to buy and Supplements to play Lasalle”

Obviously Sam is no businessman in the mold of the teams at Games Workshop or Battlefront!

First Impressions

The rules are very well written.

Rather than writing the rules to mirror the sequence of play they are written in a logical order by way of introduction to the Sub-systems, thus enabling the reader to better understand each subsystem as they are introduced.

There are Advanced rules, Historical Scenarios, a FAQ section and as mentioned before, a QRS, an Army Builder and Army List section. Another useful “bit” is the “Learning The Game Concepts" section, dealing with Unit Sizes and Formations, Depicting Skirmishers, Fronts and Flanks, Terrain and lots more.

So How Does It All Play Out?

Well, like I said, I could rattle on about the actual rules and how well they are written and what nice quality the paper is and "are the lists truly representational of the Armies they represent",. BLAH BLAH BLAH but let’s face it, your here for the AAR and the pictures; sooooo......

The Battle of Pyranesia, 1810

The French ORBAT

A Infantry Division from the Peninsular List:

2 x Veteran Infantry (plus 1 extra, see note) = 3 Vet Btns

3 x Conscript Infantry (Plus 1 extra, see note) = 4 Con btns

1 x Dragoon Regt

1 x Divisional battery

NOTE: Because the French are attacking in this game they get 1 extra Veteran Infantry and 1 extra Conscript Infantry battalion.

I also added an “Organic” Brigade of Light cavalry:

2 x Hussars (1st and 5th)

2 x Chasseurs (but I changed one of these to lancers ‘cause i wanted to see what effect lancers had).

The British ORBAT

An Infantry Division from the Peninsular List:

4 x Infantry (33rd, 44th, 69th and 42nd)

1 x Large Elite Infantry (these are not Guards, but for this game I’ve made them the 1st Foot Guards)

1 Royal Artillery Battery (Minden Battery RA)

2 x Skirmisher Bases (95^th Rifles?)

I also added a “Reserve” Dragoon Brigade *:

2 x Heavy Dragoons (the 2nd and 7th). These should be + Large units, but I've kept ALL cav in this game as small 4 base units.

*(this Bde should also have a Royal Horse Artillery (RHA) battery, but I don’t have one. Instead I’ve added a Spanish Militia Battalion, (just for shits’ n’ giggles).

PART 2: The Game! to be post soon!