Espana 1836

This week saw a return to the First Carlist War when we trialed the Black Powder revised turn sequence when firing comes first, see HERE

It certainly changes the game dynamic, I think we both tentatively gave it a thumbs up. We shall revisit it on Dave's bigger table and forces when we return from our respective breaks in June.

The game itself developed into an impasse by the designated usual twelve turns neither side having a clear advantage. 

Whether this is the effect of the sequence change or the fact neither side did a lot for the first three turns remains to be seen.

Here are the usual photos with comments where applicable.

Valencian volunteers take up position among the vines on the Carlist right.

Carlist artillery and a battalion of fresh volunteers anchor the right flank behind their revetment.

While their left is protected by an orange grove occupied by skirmishers.

A blunder sends one of the Carlist battalions charging forward routing the Isabelinos in the process.

They are subsequently charged by the Isabelino heavy cavalry but with their dander up they repulse the attack.

After a couple of dud rockets the next one explodes in the tube!

Having driven off the Carlist skirmishers the two right flank Isabelino battalions form square and keep the cavalry on the Carlist left at bay.

Thats all until next month in the meantime take care and KBO.

Partizan 2026

Dave duly arrived a little before nine to start our journey over to Newark for this year's first Partizan. Accompanying us this year was Dave's grandson Will the newest recruit to the GHQ Irregulars.

We arrived around eleven, there was still a queue for entry a good sign of a healthy attendance has it moved at a good pace so it was not lack of entry points.

On entry sensory overload kicked in due to the mass of people and volume of games and traders.

Below is a selection of photos of just some of the excellent games, I must apologise to the folk who put on the amazing participation games I just did not get down again later to take any photos.

The Iron Brigade.

Derby Wargames

The League of Extraordinary Kriegspielers 

The Bodkins

Friends of a Military Gentleman 

The League of Augsburg 

A little sparse on the purchase front this time.

A 20mm 6pdr anti-tank gun from Empress Miniatures. A Loyd carrier for the above from Colin Rumford aka Rapid Fire. Some vines and a nice tree and hedge piece from Last Valley. Grass Tufts and a top up of Javis desert sand and rock that I use on my bases. Speaking of bases, a top up from Warbases.

All in all a grand if tiring day out, well done to Laurence, Richard and the team for another excellent show not forgetting the numerous  traders and folk who bring their wondrous games to entertain us. Roll on October!

Two For Two

World War Two that is. First more Tommies for Italy, 20mm AB Figures.

Next up Waffen-SS Jerries for Arnhem. 28mm Empress Miniatures.

I really must get on to painting something more colourful, the First Carlist War collection hasn't had anything added for a while. Perhaps a FCW game here in OHQ on Tuesday will inspire?

That's all folks, until next time KBO.

Snails Pace

A very sparse month on the painting front, the advance so far.

A Krupp Protze for the Spanish Civil War Nationalists to tow their PAK36. A Rubicon kit with a driver from Empress Miniatures with a head swap.

Next the final six figures for the F.A.R.T.S. Again figures from Empress Miniatures, these will hopefully hit the table over at GHQ next month sometime?

Lastly three test figures for the British half of the Italian campaign project. Figures from AB the acme of WWII figures in 20mm.

Off to GHQ for some early Italian Wars action tomorrow, look out for a report of the action over on Dave's blog in the coming days.

Toodle Pip, until next time KBO

Action Near Kustrin 1st to 3rd February 1945

The scenario is from the Kustrin supplement for Battlegroup rules which aims to combine a Soviet advance over three days into one scenario. The Soviet attack is split into three waves when one exceeds it Battle Rating it will be removed and replaced by the next wave.

The first wave was repulsed in turn five.

Three T34/76s lead the first wave with tank riders.

Supported by a lend-lease Valentine.

With additional support from a M3 halftrack.

The Germans well dug in await the attack supported by two Waffen-SS Tiger IIs

Turn five the first wave is repulsed.

Bring up the bad boys T34/85s supported by two SU76 assault guns.

Come along Ivan we are waiting for you.

Eeek! An off table Katyushka strike precedes the assault.

Resulting in one pinned infantry team, really!

Abandoned! While over on the other flank others are destroyed. Turn eight the second wave is repulsed.

Bring on the last wave, more T34/85s and two ISU152s the 'Cat Killers'

It soon makes an impression.

KABOOM! But it is too late losses on the T34s results in the waves Battle Rating being exceeded the attack is repulsed on turn thirteen. History is repeated although it only delayed the inevitable fall of the city.

A grand game full of drama, shocking dice rolls by both sides adding some amusing interludes for us both along the way.

Until next time KBO.