Meet Me At The Crossroads

Well......., its been more than a week since I laid out the table for a quick game with some of the refurbished Oberhilse (not USA) and Faraway (not Dominion of C.). Well, life's chores and obligations sometimes interfere with hobbies, as does working on reversions of incomplete rules. None the less, the game went on.

(PS: If you click on the pictures, they will expand to a larger size. Depending on your computer, you can either expand and shrink the pictures using 2 fingers, or on older machines, there will be a "+" marker, click that and then the picture will expand to full size, bigger than most screens BUT you can slide around the big picture and have a good close look. When you've had enough, click the back pointer on the header panel where the left, right, arrows etc).  

 a '+' on the Click on pictures for larger size. Depending on your machine, you can use your figures to enlarge or shrink the picture, or there may bepicture which will expand again and allow you to slide the large picture to see all of it. Click on the header arrow pointing left to go back to the regular screen.

What follows is a quick illustrated report on the opening encounter in the war of 1837. Once again, there was a dispute over just where the border ran. The particular target was the Stone Jug Inn and Tavern.

At dawn, both armies rose and hit the roads. Once the enemies spotted each other, the advanced guards moved as quickly as possible with the republic's cavalry and sharpshooters moving fastest with the infantry doing their best to catch up.

The Oberhilse forces moved up quickly, cavalry across the fields, infantry up the road and soon had troops in the village. The Redcoats marched forward in good spirits, but it was soon clear that the enemy was already occupying the town. General Turner had to come up with a new plan.

For awhile, while the armies deployed, the battle was a skirmish between the light troops, taking what cover they could find while the infantry on both sides moved forward as fast as possible and the Generals made battle plans.

A prolonged firefight followed.

Before long the casualties were increasing without any advantage apart from the side in the cover of the town.

At last, the Redcoats were ordered to "Fix Bayonets" then "Charge!!!"

The Dominion's infantry on their right managed to push back the enemy infantry but they weren't broken or even forced out of the cover of their houses, and reinforcements were at hand.

It was time for General Turner to fallback, fortify the two sections of the town that they held, barricade the roads, call for reinforcements and make a clever plan to evict the enemy.

ps: About 2/3 of these figures were home cast, with or without conversions, but about 1/2 of those are from my original sculpts, the rest being from commercial moulds.

'Hurry Up and Wait!'

The plan was an afternoon to play out the game. I managed to play 2 turns today......sighhh

At least the advanced units are engaged.

Ah well, there's still tomorrow.

Genr'l, Thanks for giving us a chance to show what we can do.

 Coming soon to a screen near you!

1836, Oberhilse and Faraway will clash again!
(click on photo for a close look)

......(well, it could be a few days, depends on the weather, volunteer stuff, various chores, etc, etc....)

Bit By Bit

I'm trying to make time for a short painting session most days, so these lads are slowly getting into tabletop condition.

If the forecast heavy rain comes, they should be finished tomorrow!

Falllllll In!

The 2nd Infantry has now been reorganized and their uniforms have been slightly modernized. 

Umm, the lighting wasn't great, and I was tired. The coats are dark blue, not black!

Anyway, a mix of home cast of my own sculpting, and 4 Scruby figures from Historifigs.

 Now for some new cavalry! 

Preparing For Battle

The Oberhilse army has reorganized although a few battalions of volunteers and a few squadrons of cavalry are not yet ready to take the field.

While the army is waiting for reinforcements, a series of drill sessions are being held. 

Let Us Pass Over (Now with apologies)

******* 

It has come to my attention that some or many of the photos are not showing to all viewers even though they all show on my screens and on some of my viewers' screens. A little exploration suggests that some of the pictures are too large and are getting blocked. 

My previous surprise was that many of my devices were no longer able to take an image on my GDrive and modify it (inc making a pic smaller in size of file in addition to trimming, adjusting lighting etc etc as desired).  The new ones I did have access to, allowed me to adjust colour, trim bits, etc etc BUT would not reduce the size of the file.

I'm now investigating the result of adjusting the size on my phone before down/uploading, as well as looking for other apps as an option if they are not too expensive for something I only use a few minutes a week.

The missing pics should be starting to appear soon!  -Ross

hmm. or not. So far every free or cheap app I've looked at has removed an option to reduce the size/(density of pixels) of the photo. Now all they do is have an option to crop. 

In the meantime, I'll have to back off and then crop the pictures It'll take a bit to get it right unless I can find an affordable app. 

Now back to the post as it was, though I may crop a few of them, reducing the width of the battle being seen, into a small part or several portions.

******** 

Winter has turned to summer and the armies of Oberhilse and Faraway march again. 

Having failed their New Years assault (see the main action here) the Oberhilse command has formed a new plan to make a surprise attack to seize the stone bridge over the Little Blue River. If they moved fast and keep the expedition a secret they should be able to launch a major invasion.

Apparently, either Faraway had a spy who sent word, or they just assumed that Oberhilse  would attack when the spring hay was cut and stacked, and summer arrived.

(Note: please click on the blank picture to see the full view....at least until I figure out how to fix it.)
A quick clash of cavalry was indecisive but the infantry on both sides took their place and the Musket fire was loud and heavy, To the North, the land did not look like cavalry terrain, so both generals ordered their cavalry to move South to find a ford.  

A passing hot air balloon with a newspaper reporter, with a camera, managed to pass overhead.
(Note: please click on the blank picture to see the full view....at least until I figure out how to fix it.)

There were fewer fords on the river than expected (#@#dice), especially in the convenient crossing places. There were a few spots where pointblank shots could be exchanged but in several spots, it was the less deadly long range musket fire.

The Faraway regulars were taking heavy casualties so the Fencibles were ordered to pass through and hold the bridge. 

The day was getting late and casualties were heavy on both sides. After a quick consultation, the order came out to Brigadier Wavey for his cavalry to cross the river and drive back the enemy cavalry.
(Note: please click on the blank picture to see the full view....at least until I figure out how to fix it.)    

As the sun began to set, the Queen's cavalry crossed the ford to encourage the enemy cavalry
to back off while heavy casualties from  musket and canister fire was
begining to weaken the morale of the Oberhilse infantry. 
(Note: please click on the blank picture to see the full view....at least until I figure out how to fix it.)

Hot Pursuit! 
(but the bugler was soon ordered to blow the Recall.

As the day turned to dusk, the order was given to the Oberhilse troops to fall back in good order,
and the battered Faraway infantry were happy to let them go.

It's been a busy day.....

 But I got a few turns in.

Sunday should see the middle and the end fought out.

The World Has Changed But, ....

....battles will go on, but with a new backdrop and a table that is 4" taller. 

For the first game on the slightly modified table, Oberhilse and Faraway are at it again in the 1840's

.....but they are fighting on a taller table with an enveloping backdrop

But enough of this: "Let the battle begin!".

Summer Rerun: 10 Years Ago

Ah summer, a thousand and one chores outside, especially cutting firewood for the coming winter now that my usual supplier has retired. Effort vs cash.
(Our wood stove is a main source of heat when the winter nights drop to -15C,-20C....... )

Since I'm also rearranging my game room when I have time, any game or figure additions are likely to be a few days away. So here's a look at the 2016 Fall In wargame convention, I think the last HMGS Con that I drove 1,500 km each way. Portland Maine was only 1/2 that distance and I've missed meeting with some of my American friends, but, my passport has expired.  .

F&IW 40mm homecast figures from the collectons
 of 2 of the HAWKS club and their Canadian mascot.

For a bit more on my blog report on HMGS  2016 Fall In Con, see:

Falllllll Out!

Any future wargame convention, if any, will be the same distance from Nova Scotia but in Canada. 

Hopefully, in a day or two I'll have time for figures or a solo game with a blog post to follow.

Now They Are Horde-able

 This was a bit easier than I expected. 

Apparently I should add some armoured Spahis for the early 16thC, but it'll probably be awhile before I work that out. A few more artillery and infantry will come first before the next engagement.

The First Encounter

Well..... its been "one of those"  weeks, well, two weeks to be honest. (it's June! Spring is easing into summer and there's planting and mowing and well,...."WINTER IS COMING!"...so there's firewood to be cut down, split etc). That's why the 12 turns I played took me 2 weeks despite each turn taking 5-10 minutes! 

Anyway, my late 18thC Mamluks have had experience of combat with infidel soldiers and they are keen to do it again, but in the mid-16thC now. They just need to rearm the cavalry with bows instead of firearms,  recruit some more troops and.....and....and, well, you know. 

However, both the Sultan and the Holy Roman Emperor are now determined to continue the fight. (What can I do to stop them?) I suspect some recruiting will end up being done by both sides.

Now, here is the brief illustrated news about this first clash (previous pictures not repeated...I think...).

________________

Rumors had started to appear about Turkish raids over the Emperor's lands and so a force was recruited and marched to the border. They managed to arrive in the nick of time as the Turks arrived at the little Blutaip river where there was a very small border guard at the main ford. (see previous posts for the early moves)

The Imperial forces arrive just in time to dispute the crossing.

The Imperial reinforcements pushed on while the Turkish light troops searched for fords and probed the strength of the defenders along the line. 

There were just enough Imperial troops to dispute the handful of river crossings but the Turks also had just enough troops. They sent their cavalry and skirmishers to probe for fords while the bulk of the Turkish infantry and artillery marched forward and began to deploy.

The Turkish light cavalry managed to cross the river on each flank, but not with enough strength to clear the Imperial cavalry and flank the Imperial infantry. Meanwhile, the infantry at the main ford fought a long bloody fight across the river, muskets, pikes, sword and shield and whatever was at hand.

At last, in the center, the Turks got their powder wet or they ran out of it, we'll never know for sure but the Imperial arquebusiers fired a deadly volley as the pikemen and halberdiers  pressed forward and some of the Turkish infantry broke.

With the sun sinking low, the Turkish commander recalled his cavalry. Time for a Truce.

 

For My Next Act.....

Holy Roman Emperor's army clashes with the Sultan's raiders.

Having decided that the Revolutionary French miniatures were not interested in returning to Egypt, it didn't take long to decide that the Mamluks and various infantry would serve a 16thC Turkish Sultan and march on Vienna. 

It took longer to get around to reorganizing and, in much of the army,  rebasing to match my 16thC armies. More cavalry, guns and infantry will follow if the first raids are worth it.

Another Bridge Too Far? (Conclusion)

Now the fighting became serious.

The fighting was noisy and bloody!

At last the Scots marched on, and were sent to clear the left flank. The Emigres were ordered to support the riflemen in the town by the far bridge.
(No dice here, the ...ummh, British player... forgot to move them on to the table for 2 turns! (head slap!)

Order/Counter Order! The Emigres were ordered to halt and wait for new orders as the French had concentrated their forces and stormed the 1st bridge while at the ford, the French infantry deployed and opened fire, daring the British to try crossing!

The British General spotted a fault in the French plan and seizing the initiative, (ie a red card came up giving the British the first move this turn.) ordered the Highlanders to advance towards the bridge, and the Dragoons to charge the flank of the French line! The French broke and ran back through the column just crossing the bridge. The Dragoons pursued, and the battle was over.
(The French had had so many 1st move cards that...'their general' hadn't expected that!)

Now....hmm....what should I play next? 

Let Us Go Over The River (Pt 1)

 It was early in the morning in Flanders in 1794 when General McDowell, with an escort of Dragoons, rode ahead of his column of infantry to see what the situation was. It was soon evident that the French rebels had arrived there first, and were already crossing. He sent an Adjutant to hurry his column of infantry.

As one of those American Rebels would say in the future: "Get there fastest with the mostest!" 

Soon the redcoats were flowing onto the battlefield. A squadron of Light Dragoons were pressing on with speed to stop the enemy cavalry from crossing over.

The French Black Hussars threw back the Light Dragoon but did not destroy them, and Heavy Dragoons were at hand with riflemen moving quickly to take post in the town houses. Before long, the Black Hussars, were ordered back across the bridge with Dragoons to support them.

The terrain was too broken up for long lines but both armies had learned a lot about flexibility in the America's during the Rebellion.

To Be Continued

....To be continued

More Rumours of the Battle in Progress

OK, OK, between chores, looking after a pack of hounds while their 'Mom' is off to a dogshow weekend, and trying to figure out which of several versions of the rules I want to choose for going forward, I haven't gotten too far but I think I'm set and the game is about to resume should finish by noon (knock knock) and the report be posted later.

In the meantime:

(Click on the photo for the full size version)

Please stand by!

And So It Begins

 

To be continued....

Annnnnd We're Back!

Taxes all done, a week earlier than usual!  The table has been cleaned and has returned to being a wargame table. I wasn't sure what to put on the field of battle, so I shook my head and "French Revolution in Flanders" came up.

Scenario #25 in Grant&Asquith's "Scenarios For All Ages".
Click twice on the picture for full size picture.
(I'm not sure if I have played it since 2009 but not recently anyway.)

I think there might be a battle tomorrow......

A Spring Surprise

It had been a hard winter for campaigning and after the failure of the British attempt to march through the snow to make a surprise attack on the outskirts of Belmont, both sides settled into Winter Quarters. Once the snow had melted and the ground dried up a bit, Brigadier Turner  determined to get his men into shape and resume his attack on the Acadian settlements.

"Enemy in sight Sir!"

"A LOT of enemy Sir.......behind an abatis!"

"Captain, ride back to the Provincial Brigade and give them orders to step out and deploy for battle as soon as possible." 

Bit By Bit

 Well, I've managed to get a piper and an ensign painted at least:

"Ensign! Where are the colours!??" "Not yet arrived sir!"

A close picture of my simplified version of the sett of the kilt which at this point, was the same as the Black Watch. Like my old kilt, from across the room, or when on the table (them not me), they just look dark, but if  you are closer you can start to make out the variation of 4 colours/shades and the pattern. 
(There was a time when stripes would be straighter on 40's and a bit more regular in width etc., but these days, if I can make out who a unit is at arms length, thats good enough for me.
I have a growing feeling that I'd better get all my painting down before this decade is done! )

Right! Next up: a stand of grenadiers are primed and on a painting 'stick' and the final stand of highlanders are assembled and about to be primed. Will I get them painted before the next game?