May Painting

 The month has been a tad fallow on the painting front, spring always brings other distractions it appears from following other folks blogs. Here are some completed items below.

A small unit of skirmishers for the sixth century Romans. Figures from the most splendid range from Aventine Miniatures, the shop should be going live with the new owners next month. They are retaining the services of sculptor Adam which is excellent news.

I have recently purchased the new Nationalist infantry figures from Empress and promised myself that I would paint something from the pile of potential before painting them. Queue these Republican officers and medic.

What is this you may ask, well I recently ordered up a couple of packs from the Empress Arnhem Heroes range. Simply for the pleasure of painting and owning you understand, I will not be getting a full platoon. No Sireee not me😇

😈 are you sure about that?

Until next time………..KBO 

 

Hanging Out The Washing

 A cracking World War Two game today here in OHQ, Dave took command of an American armoured infantry force in an attempt on the German West Wall.

The early turns saw a steady advance by the Americans, hindered by several stonks from a German Nebelwerfer battery. The German reinforcements were obviously delayed by a rear area bombardment or had lost their way so the defenders were unable to take advantage of the hindrance.

Turn ten ended with the Americans Battle Rating being four away from being exceeded and the Germans just one! Could the Germans hold on until their half of the turn and force a chit draw to break the American morale. Alas no, scratch one Stug III and the resulting chit draw of a one breaking the Germans will to continue.

A timed P47 air strike is driven off by anti-aircraft fire.

One of several Nebelwerfer strikes holds up the American advance.

A Sherman hits a mine and is immobilised.

The American M12 with it’s deadly 155mm racks up damage on the German anti-tank gun bunker

The German sniper team takes out the American platoon commander their one and only success, eye tests please.

The Americans move up for the kill.

A Stug too far, the Germans pull out.

Looking forward now to next week’s game at GHQ in Pendawar, standby for some Black Powder action then.

Until next time ………KBO

Partizan Continued

First up chum Kevin AKA The Iron Brigade put on a splendid ACW game, I really missed chatting with his fellow Brigader, Peter who sadly passed away shortly after the Other Partizan last year.

Next the Perry twins focused on the Peninsular this time, showcasing the new Spanish.

Another Eastern Front game put on by The Chesterfield Old Boys

And finally the Dutch invasion of Hispaniola Circa 1675 by The League of Augburg

The obligatory swag bit

Bases and RUB box insert from the ever reliable Warbases, a Dragon II tow for my 1940 British from Early War Miniatures, an Opel Blitz from Ready to Roll for the 1940 Germans. Adding to the 1940 collection British and German medium mortars with crews and a Semovente SPG crew for the Sciliy project from Eureka, an ice yellow Vallejo paint and wire spears from Pendraken. Finally the second iteration of Chain of Command.

Until next time KBO 

Partizan

Today Dave and I made our pilgrimage to Newark for the first of this years Partizan shows, we were joined by Dave's son Matt and grandson Reuben. Another grand day of gaming goodness transpired, we got there around 10.15 and joined queqe which moved very quickly with the two tier entrance of cash only and pre paid and card payment working well. Without further ado here are photos of some of the splendid games on show.

Zero Hour, WWI - David Stone

Romans v Sassanids - Bramley Barn Wargames 

Post Apocalypse - Gentlemen Pensioners

Wake Island - League of Extraordinary Kreigspielers

17th Century - Bill Gaskin

ACW - First Corps

Wars if the Roses, Boars Hill 1471 - The Bodkins

Battle of Aliwal 1846 - Boondocks Sayntes

Eastern Front 1941 - Derby Wargames Society

To be continued...........

Let There Be Bright

Way back, way back in time at Midland Militaire (remember them?) there was a splendid ancient game with a stunning Seleucid army being used. I think they were Garrison Figures, that's it I am having myself one of those. I immediately bought the WRG book out at the time.

For reasons I cannot recall that was as far has I got, queue last year when I started to amass figures for the long gone but not forgotten urge. The figures are mainly from the ever excellent Aventine topped up with figures from Gripping Beast and Foundry. Now I made a promise to myself that I wouldn't start painting any until I had completed the Early Byzantines. Well I had some Aventine Magna Grecia hoplites I bought on a whim some time ago in the lead lump, who doesn't have a desire to paint Greek hoplites. So, come on I am a wargamer after all.

Did the Seleucid's employ Magna Grecia troops? Mine will and if they didn't I have kept my promise to myself not to start painting my Seleucid army😁

The splendid LBMS transfers are on the shields of course.

I won't paint any more figures until the Byzantines are done of course🤞

Until next time............ KBO 

Dull But Becoming Bright

Way back in October 2023 I completed a 155mm GMC M12. Here

Now the M12 is was a thirsty beast and didn't have room for much ammunition (just three shots in Battlegroup, remember one shot is actually several rounds in the rules). It as not been on the table yet, being in the front line for direct fire on German strong points I needed to source and paint up an armoured ammunition carrier. I sourced one from UM Models quite a while ago and have just got around to getting it assembled (they are not the friendliest kits to build)

The cargo carrier M30 was designed as a support vehicle for the 155mm GMC M12, the two vehicles shared a similar layout. The engine was moved forward to behind the driving compartment, and the rear was thus freed for stowage of 40 155mm rounds and extra crew for the M12.  The spade found on the M12 was replaced by a tail gate to allow access to the rear compartment, and a .50cal MG was ring mounted above the rear compartment for self-defense.

Turning bright? Well it's coming soon..........😉

Until then.............KBO