In With The New

Dave came over the other day for our weekly game, it is the school holidays here so Dave's grandson Will joined us for a World War Two game. We decided to use Rapid Fire Reloaded as we thought it would be easier for Will to follow. Will is quite keen on World War Two he builds and paints his own figures, vehicles and planes and is gathering some extensive knowledge on all things World War Two, which of course we aim to encourage!

I gathered two small forces, a German infantry battalion with support and a Soviet motorized infantry battalion with support, the Soviets aim to exit two AFVs and at least six infantry figures off the enemy table edge to win, getting just one AFV off would be a draw. As usual there follows an annotated photo montage of the action.

The Soviet advance on the centre left.

Meanwhile on the right they attempt a dash down the road.

The Germans have other ideas.

Over on the German right the infantry await the approaching T34s and infantry.

The Soviets attempt to sneak around the Germans left.

The T34s trade shots with the German PAK40 and Stug III neither side manage any penetrating hits.

It is left to both sides mortars and howitzers to do the job.

Over on the Soviet left another T34 is knocked out.

Off table 105mm howitzers rain down hell.

Further support from the Germans 150mm Sig33s.

Another T34 bites the dust.

Another ends any chance of winning and with the remaining T34 having to run the gauntlet of two Stugs, Panzerschreks and Panzerfausts even a draw is extremely unlikely. No win for Will and myself but Will enjoyed himself nonetheless taking numerous photos for himself along the way.

Until next time...................KBO

Partisans And Paras

 Still slow going on the painting front not helped by a four day break in Wales. First up another three paratroopers from the Empress Miniatures Heroes of Arnhem range.

Next up in 20mm some more Soviet partisans for my little side project, these are from Britannia Miniatures available from Grubby Tanks. Although they may not be the most anatomical correct figures and the weapons a tad over scale one cannot deny they have oodles of character and IMHO look the part.

Speaking of Wales here are some military related photos. First up Beaumaris Castle built by Edward I, although it was never completed it is still a formidable looking fortification.

Next up we made a return visit to Plad Newydd seat of the Marquis's of Anglesey to see red squirrels, but of course I would have to and view the exhibits relating to the 1st Marquess Henry Paget aka the Earl of Uxbridge.

Coincidentally they had another property just up the road from where we live, at Beaudesert. The estate was broken up by the 6th Marquess in the 1920s. The hall was never sold, demolition began in 1935 but was never completed and some ruins remain standing. The Green Pipe which used to supply water to the estate is still in situ and has become a bit of a landmark, it is also used to direct folks on Google maps!

Our accomodation was close by RAF Valley and under their training flight path.

Next week's game will be over at GHQ, stand by for some 19th century action in the Crimea.

I til next time..................KBO

Defending Maciejow 1944

This week's game was a return to the Eastern Front, I adapted the excellent scenario for Rapid Fire by Richard Marsh the latest issue of WSS for a game using Battlegroup rules for the Bagration operation. The one vehicle equals ten ratio provided by Richard was ideal to suit the vehicles I have in my collection. With one vehicle equaling ten I did not use the ammo load outs from Battlegroup with the exception of the IS2 which was limited to five shots as per the scenario. The resulting Battle Ratings worked out at 39 for the Soviets and 32 for the Germans. To win the game the Soviets have to reach the far end of the table within twelve turns with an AFV and an infantry squad of at least six figures, just an AFV and it would be a draw and of course they would win if the Germans exceeded their Battle Rating.

German Panthers, PAK40 and a squad of Panzer Grenadiers lie in weight. In reality they were heavily camouflaged and the Soviets were taken by surprise. To replicate this without making it a game killer I made it harder for them to be spotted if they hadn't fired.

A 251/9 lurks awaiting any Soviet advance on the left.

Taking cover in the village is a vehicle mounted quad 20mm on ambush orders awaiting any VVS intrusion.

The Soviets begin their advance, T34/85s, truck mounted infantry and a Zis2 57mm ATG mount a diversionary attack on the German right flank.

The tank platoon commander urges them on Ura! Ura!

The PAK40 aims to give them a warm welcome.

After several glancing hits the first T34 falls victim to it.

Soviet infantry move up in support, fire from the T34 is having no impact on the PK40.

The infantry come to rescue and add their fire

The Soviet main thrust reaches the road but the lead vehicle is quickly despatched by the awaiting Panthers.

It's not all one way traffic a Panther is taken down.

While the crew of another is rattled by the 85mm shells bouncing off it and abandon their vehicle.

The VVS arrive, a timed airstrike but it only manages to knock out an empty 250/1 transport. The resulting chit draw is a special 'Low Ammo' which is immediately played on an advancing Soviet infantry squad and it appears someone neglected to load the truck up with the ammunition boxes.

Meanwhile on the other flank the Panzer Grenadier squad is killed or surrenders.

A replacement squad is motored up and promptly despatches another T34 with its Panzerfaust.

The Zis2 in action.

The Soviet 82mm mortar battery proves a nuisance, but by turn 7 the Soviets call off the attack. With only one T34 in action and the IS2 advancing slowly and with two Panthers remaining the odds were against a Soviet win. Neither side were approaching near to exceeding their Battle Rating and finishing time looming we called it.

Also in turn seven the Germans had drawn an Air Attack chit so we diced to see if one appeared at the beginning of turn eight and low and behold a Stuka 87G with two 37mm auto cannons would come roaring in adding to Soviet woes. So history had repeated itself. A cracking scenario that needed more time to play really. Both parties enjoyed it and that's what matters.

Until next time.........................KBO

Horses

 I am not painting any mounted troops of my own at the moment but here are some Bicorne Miniatures English Civil War Royalist cavalry I have completed for a final commission.

The Queens Regiment of Horse.

No game this week as we are away on Yns Mon so until next time………KBO

People

 Following on from the vehicles posted last week I have completed the command pack from the latest release of Spanish Civil War figures from Empress Miniatures.

Splendid sculpts from Paul Hicks full of character, I have subsequently ordered the next three packs. Two of these are the same as the previous infantry but these sport Spanish helmets, the third pack comprises of an officer/NCO with SMG, a standard bearer, infantryman with a Madsen LMG and lastly a man with flamethrower. They are now primed ready to start when I have completed one of the two packs of British paratroopers that accidentally fell into my shopping cart when ordering the SCW packs.

Until next time…………KBO