tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24100638365032002992024-03-18T16:01:10.169-07:00The Games We PlayMartin Rapierhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16788664847205341619noreply@blogger.comBlogger780125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2410063836503200299.post-65196594769149709322024-03-16T00:35:00.000-07:002024-03-16T00:35:33.562-07:00More Panzerblitz Lite 3 - Vyazma 1941<p> As these posts seem to be popular, I'll change my usual cycle and post this today rather than next week. I'm away this weekend in any case, so posts/updates will be a bit less frequent. </p><p>Another day, more Panzerblitz Lite. After the Kiev game, I went through all the terrain boards and came up with a standard layout for each board mapped onto my Hexon boards. It is then possible to cut up the template and arrange them just like the original game. Much easier and faster than trying to do it from scratch each time.</p><p>I fancied something a bit more low density this time, so I picked Vyazma 1941 as the scenario.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjU8AOolvSz9BwWfQgz79sI-Wn6f4sL9bFh8HtgGwXZYx5zYqZpxR-MiVoH0cz51TNBc1Mi2bzDKNfPwZUQynViXxxU32igAKHjo7AG3DGR-knUvkGooZBD7Ihkej4CRaoybJoMh6KJx62HLuGAIoRpUVEbqTtZzEUM0H9HU32hr_cwbDnL4bIcwyS3sSye/s3264/20240304_133154.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2448" data-original-width="3264" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjU8AOolvSz9BwWfQgz79sI-Wn6f4sL9bFh8HtgGwXZYx5zYqZpxR-MiVoH0cz51TNBc1Mi2bzDKNfPwZUQynViXxxU32igAKHjo7AG3DGR-knUvkGooZBD7Ihkej4CRaoybJoMh6KJx62HLuGAIoRpUVEbqTtZzEUM0H9HU32hr_cwbDnL4bIcwyS3sSye/s320/20240304_133154.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">View from the west. It is amazing how the terrain layout changes with each different configuration of the geomorphic map boards. Like Buchach, the Germans are trying to open a corridor from west to east, this time uncovered by Russian units or fire. Well, given the weapon ranges and terrain configuration, that will be interesting...</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj47RrGaZQB9-ElpcEvPoSRcCJsJGXxJCOKAQsJLXpclMN9AF1oxkSQbHgUZSHxtbAIC6gpCTS5PuDyA0lOL_3s17dYkj7bh_BCTwLim1wEr1BEyFBo-sUaUHgObujh1YAjcsKSvuDX9B9wHKtLOK3RMR2lAil7A9WJiHtE1dXPbuVkfBBj4_WuNIZ_qMne/s3264/20240304_133205.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3264" data-original-width="2448" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj47RrGaZQB9-ElpcEvPoSRcCJsJGXxJCOKAQsJLXpclMN9AF1oxkSQbHgUZSHxtbAIC6gpCTS5PuDyA0lOL_3s17dYkj7bh_BCTwLim1wEr1BEyFBo-sUaUHgObujh1YAjcsKSvuDX9B9wHKtLOK3RMR2lAil7A9WJiHtE1dXPbuVkfBBj4_WuNIZ_qMne/s320/20240304_133205.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Here is the scenario card, and my patented mini-geomorphic terrain layout cards. The cards made it much easier to set the terrain up, it only took 25 minutes, which is OK for something so complicated.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrusKVTbhIFgRK4N1z4WllxApIfNm6fm5U6cT_bMUPnQp334qgsG6aktHp9AEAX3T4UC1xz7XuLWkoAEO_zWzzYa9DxxwftDOdr9-5FvdcsZXUHM6Um9ouT-KFblPD7IKnnRR3dsherAKKFEyXs0bUIHXjPmDbfwHeNInXYRg7mae00uq478JJAtiRXau1/s3264/20240304_134321.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3264" data-original-width="2448" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrusKVTbhIFgRK4N1z4WllxApIfNm6fm5U6cT_bMUPnQp334qgsG6aktHp9AEAX3T4UC1xz7XuLWkoAEO_zWzzYa9DxxwftDOdr9-5FvdcsZXUHM6Um9ouT-KFblPD7IKnnRR3dsherAKKFEyXs0bUIHXjPmDbfwHeNInXYRg7mae00uq478JJAtiRXau1/s320/20240304_134321.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Unlike Buchach, this is a very low density scenario! The Russians have a Rifle Regiment (three battalions of two stands each), plus a company each of 76mm Field Guns, 120mm mortars and an AT company. The guns are horse drawn, the only motorised unit being the AT guns, so the Russian defence is going to be quite static.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The German force is miniscule though, two companies of Pz III, one of Mech Infantry, one towed AT company and a company of 'mortars' (which I modelled as 75mm infantry guns). Not much stuff at all.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxe0TleADufQUr7M2dFw-kGjYBRfZlFzeC541xepGV6gNFXPJ8wt6b8_UKduIBVz7e0ZVZDmDEJa4-QRuAtQ-W-IwAb5EqlKK185mNT7wNhpCSPQKay9lP5CRWCkp2cOj4uN34sIOHw5Cfb01dboMhakjBtlvkQ7QYA4hLMnl37ndHqkjS988kOxdK_nZU/s3264/20240304_135028.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2448" data-original-width="3264" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxe0TleADufQUr7M2dFw-kGjYBRfZlFzeC541xepGV6gNFXPJ8wt6b8_UKduIBVz7e0ZVZDmDEJa4-QRuAtQ-W-IwAb5EqlKK185mNT7wNhpCSPQKay9lP5CRWCkp2cOj4uN34sIOHw5Cfb01dboMhakjBtlvkQ7QYA4hLMnl37ndHqkjS988kOxdK_nZU/s320/20240304_135028.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">As in the original scenario, the Russians have to string their troops out to cover the entire width of the board. The obvious spot for the artillery is the wood on the central hill as it can cover five hexes across from there, and observation post in the village at the bottom of the hill is vital. I've put some Russian infantry in gullies - they can only spot and be spotted at one hex range, but it will force the Germans to move adjacent. The 120mm mortars are also in a gully to the rear of the open board. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The Russians do have some reserves, there is a rifle company with the 76mm guns and the motorised AT is on the road junction in the top right. Once the Germans are committed, they can shuffle to form another line of units/fire across the board. The rough ground on the right is a nightmare, but the bigger hexes make it easier to lock down with continuous fire, there are two units in the foreground, linking with the artillery arc of fire.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">As most of the Russian force is slow, you need to put a lot of thought into the setup. I enjoy stuff like that.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgP_IAegz3ezY3aZSqQxPhxqYiidVuQRUu86e0pmB-3M1H4kLYOP9-yVp_1ArczGDHbAAL_tk8cy3FN96AU_Y85kc_fmHomPjuNdBUfKoJ-r4G-sO6TyalrKCmLrNPLwgD7m_YDAf-2aMX9CabnLRPEqmvgn48eFv-_p48MXQRKsbJQ1vzXEBDeXljQYn_j/s3264/20240304_135355.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2448" data-original-width="3264" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgP_IAegz3ezY3aZSqQxPhxqYiidVuQRUu86e0pmB-3M1H4kLYOP9-yVp_1ArczGDHbAAL_tk8cy3FN96AU_Y85kc_fmHomPjuNdBUfKoJ-r4G-sO6TyalrKCmLrNPLwgD7m_YDAf-2aMX9CabnLRPEqmvgn48eFv-_p48MXQRKsbJQ1vzXEBDeXljQYn_j/s320/20240304_135355.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Conversely, the Germans don't have much stuff, but it is (mostly) armoured and mobile, so they need to pick a route and concentrate all their fire power to break through and keep it open. I can't actually recall the optimum strategy for this one, and it felt like cheating to read the scenario guide, so the Germans went for the open board on the left. It just seems easier to lock down one board edge, rather than going up the middle, although killing those guns looks very attractive.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The Germans advance up to the edge of the gully, with the mech infantry and guns in the town, tanks in the open. No Russians can see them here (mmm, I really need to think about spotting!)</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgy6gC1ez-KmZjueR_fd1AWBFszF5vC8SRiuKEE9vo2VoqXqP6h1uuAqDjNwYl3iJupvFHOxKKA2BLyzlqDwcrGxBi42YDSmHfqsyu4c8-SrKe5EWQwo0GqW2Vx_hqlmFM8OLFs_FhKMyF0UoLyetnnOmMxoEys8qz87C6kzSHvZa3RHQeiTakbCsDDJDyC/s3264/20240304_141038.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3264" data-original-width="2448" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgy6gC1ez-KmZjueR_fd1AWBFszF5vC8SRiuKEE9vo2VoqXqP6h1uuAqDjNwYl3iJupvFHOxKKA2BLyzlqDwcrGxBi42YDSmHfqsyu4c8-SrKe5EWQwo0GqW2Vx_hqlmFM8OLFs_FhKMyF0UoLyetnnOmMxoEys8qz87C6kzSHvZa3RHQeiTakbCsDDJDyC/s320/20240304_141038.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The Russians respond by moving the AT guns west, a bit. The Germans pile into the gully and set up their guns in the village. Again, they are hidden from view here, even from the spotters on the hill. The Russian AT has made it to the central road by the end of turn 2.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiZVYdFAW_0WV1MOr4pH-h_TLDzjgu-ndge0nm1KhpbsH-7958bsGJqDE7G0CqqY8TUzLY1hO7OrgXuWoiiYlwAaoEodlOKx-KSo38KJh3Fwx8vXv9RfJbQu2j0wgY3DXYtTSk0_071llahfpfrK63o4KfjAHrU5tspy_PkXaVbEtyBeorR0dEYHP6lrWd/s3264/20240304_141317.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2448" data-original-width="3264" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiZVYdFAW_0WV1MOr4pH-h_TLDzjgu-ndge0nm1KhpbsH-7958bsGJqDE7G0CqqY8TUzLY1hO7OrgXuWoiiYlwAaoEodlOKx-KSo38KJh3Fwx8vXv9RfJbQu2j0wgY3DXYtTSk0_071llahfpfrK63o4KfjAHrU5tspy_PkXaVbEtyBeorR0dEYHP6lrWd/s320/20240304_141317.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Panzers advance! The Germans rush the village, 75mm guns in the gully in support. Now, in the original game, we could have bypassed as there are no ZOC, however my guys are now stuck adjacent to the Russians.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The Russian infantry in the village can call in the 120mm mortars, and the infantry in the gully can call can the 76mm guns. I had thought quite a lot about this defensive setup beforehand... In fact my wife commented how absorbed and thoughtful I looked. The chess with tanks thing was always something I loved about PB, unlike Squad Leader, which was far more random. </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNd1dJvWIoraxhCjtnC5kHvKHgOALEK7icYXZ7HfJKsTCiUJx7ormk2AdDOk8NgH3zLi8qodb8VDi0fnR91kbvCM3psPa-1rVMpGuXijnEsmfmPToCjlnTX7wN5do6tpBpBh6yuowNwLyvwrasF_fsZUBYMGtCnzw2GGdGa3zke7Rx3qINQjwsZzXy0Wwr/s3264/20240304_141629.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2448" data-original-width="3264" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNd1dJvWIoraxhCjtnC5kHvKHgOALEK7icYXZ7HfJKsTCiUJx7ormk2AdDOk8NgH3zLi8qodb8VDi0fnR91kbvCM3psPa-1rVMpGuXijnEsmfmPToCjlnTX7wN5do6tpBpBh6yuowNwLyvwrasF_fsZUBYMGtCnzw2GGdGa3zke7Rx3qINQjwsZzXy0Wwr/s320/20240304_141629.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Blam! Blam! Russian artillery, mortar and small arms fire rings out - resulting in a disrupted mech inf and a disrupted tank. The Russian 76s also rolled a '6', so have disrupted themselves. I prefer units to run out of ammo on a high roll, it seems more logical.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0-Rub4dx6Xsp6jUL5rFuPfk-PqpOYNp_oH-rrzumjyfmAZ_N8u-TPCUmZBU_m4_t4-v28qR-DQ9aO87__DTRkBZGafyyrpRWxFCgsECuBKJDKIszArbGch6WzjKdmaFRsAslV56uYn2Zm_4Q53Zp0uWdS_-SFTobTRrtnRcuRQIDr-8UMx7NNsEleoSIo/s3264/20240304_141948.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3264" data-original-width="2448" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0-Rub4dx6Xsp6jUL5rFuPfk-PqpOYNp_oH-rrzumjyfmAZ_N8u-TPCUmZBU_m4_t4-v28qR-DQ9aO87__DTRkBZGafyyrpRWxFCgsECuBKJDKIszArbGch6WzjKdmaFRsAslV56uYn2Zm_4Q53Zp0uWdS_-SFTobTRrtnRcuRQIDr-8UMx7NNsEleoSIo/s320/20240304_141948.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The 75s fire at the village but miss, and the disrupted Germans fall back into the gully to reorganise. The Russian return fire disrupts the AT company but nothing else. The Russian AT company is now on the far road next to the top left village and a rifle company has moved to support the mortars. The mortars are 'in' the gully and the infantry are outside so they can spot. Mmmm, I need to think about that too.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMnTxuw1VTfB9sUnvHJSGe92S4GlywzKkwlUcevVdTG8iD0n-vvgcM6rMXKBdwkhmppAagzg5L3jU2HZm-HECL_cdir5jJz8bbs84yyXoO31IoM555JqYjs93fqFn6-hViFOAoRXJY_RR7zZBWpcYewVqvQj2gfDnJj3MFz8r_d3NmT_hnWm3X8fNJZo13/s3264/20240304_142512.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3264" data-original-width="2448" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMnTxuw1VTfB9sUnvHJSGe92S4GlywzKkwlUcevVdTG8iD0n-vvgcM6rMXKBdwkhmppAagzg5L3jU2HZm-HECL_cdir5jJz8bbs84yyXoO31IoM555JqYjs93fqFn6-hViFOAoRXJY_RR7zZBWpcYewVqvQj2gfDnJj3MFz8r_d3NmT_hnWm3X8fNJZo13/s320/20240304_142512.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The Germans finally get there act together - the 75s disrupt the village and direct fire from two units finishes off the defenders, and the mech infantry and guns occupy the town. That is more like it!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The Russians have filtered a couple of units into the gully at the bottom, and the rifle company with the mortars has moved east to create a blocking line with the AT guns. The Russian artillery (finally) manages to reorganise, but now the 120mm mortars run out of ammo.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmikuxEYsHD-tTa5v6_qFHLD34oIIBxok6fsOlIPbUI9iJf4RIoge3i0dvACBXwu1KOcU7PhOy_zBkCT3nXOqJpIiUjSElnWqOouXdJDp9P1VhhxDHutcNtcVoDWd_L5MqJ-PnW6R3PCmQL8o5SzSK_CGMm-NqI-vwr4u8LSn0L9pnUsGLGiAVRSCf3jXF/s3264/20240304_142635.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3264" data-original-width="2448" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmikuxEYsHD-tTa5v6_qFHLD34oIIBxok6fsOlIPbUI9iJf4RIoge3i0dvACBXwu1KOcU7PhOy_zBkCT3nXOqJpIiUjSElnWqOouXdJDp9P1VhhxDHutcNtcVoDWd_L5MqJ-PnW6R3PCmQL8o5SzSK_CGMm-NqI-vwr4u8LSn0L9pnUsGLGiAVRSCf3jXF/s320/20240304_142635.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The Russians put an infantry unit on the hill at the top, and another one comes 'out' of the gully to spot for the guns.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_3rvSbGV3Cgm6Jue8fCwtFck9khDC_TWbA6WGcRWUFeh5L7ReOcL1xbtCfYtRbnF3KuOhg6kTr5sIYBB7Z807VJK66Xp8WnC7wLYMNP3i6sz0z5Okv4e7bvttZ_nuhwENOkLpxnRNcBPFds2MI2JUTBw020jkw0RDdKLEV8-TtIeCCQIyUUeMhNwY8GH1/s3264/20240304_143049.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3264" data-original-width="2448" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_3rvSbGV3Cgm6Jue8fCwtFck9khDC_TWbA6WGcRWUFeh5L7ReOcL1xbtCfYtRbnF3KuOhg6kTr5sIYBB7Z807VJK66Xp8WnC7wLYMNP3i6sz0z5Okv4e7bvttZ_nuhwENOkLpxnRNcBPFds2MI2JUTBw020jkw0RDdKLEV8-TtIeCCQIyUUeMhNwY8GH1/s320/20240304_143049.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">That is a mistake. It is disrupted by the 75s and finished off by direct fire while the other Germans reorganise or push forwards. The Russian AT guns are in the village at the top now, but the German 75s rolled a 6 and are disrupted. That is a bit of a problem as hundreds of angry Russian infantrymen are next to them! </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSZjjHfkCxIQu6qHI9fOPZw24HeaL5qFyHYU7edQd0_wajZLESo79A4PL5UuDQni-2y43ZDJK-a8TBCxB8ZEdQJc5v4NwQ7ohksc2k7kFOAHc322Sn7noVVzor_cQ_zg28TzMjKkbiPOplsjso4K-TRtwOPSI1d-uAj4tthsHgVWPVrkyVEvua0wsBWBvB/s3264/20240304_143741.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2448" data-original-width="3264" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSZjjHfkCxIQu6qHI9fOPZw24HeaL5qFyHYU7edQd0_wajZLESo79A4PL5UuDQni-2y43ZDJK-a8TBCxB8ZEdQJc5v4NwQ7ohksc2k7kFOAHc322Sn7noVVzor_cQ_zg28TzMjKkbiPOplsjso4K-TRtwOPSI1d-uAj4tthsHgVWPVrkyVEvua0wsBWBvB/s320/20240304_143741.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The 75s 'retreat' east to reorganise and the Russians occupy the village at the bottom, re-establishing the line. The AT guns get lucky and disrupt them though.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Somehow (I must have forgotten to take some photos), the rest of the panzers have destroyed the Rifle Company on the hill and are threatening the 120mm mortars, who have retreated back onto another gully. The Germans are now surrounded! But the Russians have lost three units, so are stretched to keep a line.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMo1VTTdm24YbCRJZLnwtsYQ-KRxvabpYgEccajF-twlKGhpUHCi4uzZGV62Io6KutZ_0M94Kn2cjWdB7zEc9NcnaeKhMZmIO75IhHo4Q1l5sM0_4Sw7FQNLcLtKZH8N7KZQbuYCq4ybXNtqzyADtWrOF1v6hORcEa8s_qti4ID3dBxG_LDuSZo3AU1UmJ/s3264/20240304_143957.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3264" data-original-width="2448" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMo1VTTdm24YbCRJZLnwtsYQ-KRxvabpYgEccajF-twlKGhpUHCi4uzZGV62Io6KutZ_0M94Kn2cjWdB7zEc9NcnaeKhMZmIO75IhHo4Q1l5sM0_4Sw7FQNLcLtKZH8N7KZQbuYCq4ybXNtqzyADtWrOF1v6hORcEa8s_qti4ID3dBxG_LDuSZo3AU1UmJ/s320/20240304_143957.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">A big turn for the Germans, the guns manage to knock out the disrupted Russian infantry in the village, which reopens the corridor west, and the rest of the them occupy the hill under a storm of artillery, mortar and AT gun fire. Two German units are disrupted but the 120s run out of ammo, again!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLLLvizUmept4nDVFNeyEKkjOAV9kY9uvQfs9YDW0jEOax6PMuonuZtk2O0wxd0TzWilMLpSRIAOkDtUqLe7FaG2OyBkBU5nAMWl1_AfVXCvy-ZY2ImAr_PF6JrIY8ZDnjpTg-JY79Z3kECO4mLakRkn2CkuK2FMneIWkPNd-hhN-3y5PHbClraYDI0QcT/s3264/20240304_144643.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2448" data-original-width="3264" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLLLvizUmept4nDVFNeyEKkjOAV9kY9uvQfs9YDW0jEOax6PMuonuZtk2O0wxd0TzWilMLpSRIAOkDtUqLe7FaG2OyBkBU5nAMWl1_AfVXCvy-ZY2ImAr_PF6JrIY8ZDnjpTg-JY79Z3kECO4mLakRkn2CkuK2FMneIWkPNd-hhN-3y5PHbClraYDI0QcT/s320/20240304_144643.jpg" width="320" /></a> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Desperate times call for desperate measures. The disrupted German units fire on the 120mm mortars rather than rallying, and destroy them opening a route east. The last good order German panzers advance to pin the AT guns in place in ZOC and stop them moving to re-establish a line.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhr6xwba6nqjLiJQd4mpLXWMs00YSPMG5W29zU2EUMoMLXefTgJIgpAPJWS4gx_GrfVXIPiVx5g5c6h81jIFHBYcW3G7f6HN1B0UFC-wNMLhAgSomcWZ6zMiyFDlGBSLb25MA1JT-pi4OOXsAui7RNJeacJoQ3X0cp-tYm5p5zGbxABCWwy0aT3gkFjS1L9/s3264/20240304_144656.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2448" data-original-width="3264" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhr6xwba6nqjLiJQd4mpLXWMs00YSPMG5W29zU2EUMoMLXefTgJIgpAPJWS4gx_GrfVXIPiVx5g5c6h81jIFHBYcW3G7f6HN1B0UFC-wNMLhAgSomcWZ6zMiyFDlGBSLb25MA1JT-pi4OOXsAui7RNJeacJoQ3X0cp-tYm5p5zGbxABCWwy0aT3gkFjS1L9/s320/20240304_144656.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">In the south the 75mm guns move into the gully to block the Russian infantry from moving and re-establishing the line. I later realised I didn't need to do that as the Russians were stuck in a ZOC anyway.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Astonishingly the Germans have pulled it off, with the slenderist of corridors from west to east. Even more astonishing, they haven't lost a single unit, although lots were disrupted en route and in fact the game ended with 80% of the Germans disrupted. In contrast the Russians lost four rifle companies and the 120mm mortars. I guess that is the difference between a large dispersed force vs a small, concentrated one.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7MsJlxFMgP2SLkVdWo7uanS6AiP07DCYtUAiZaV3lcK8jD_VPyjQ5IJt2mI_Xq_kM2aPMlvR_jCi8-_9Ru-ujHU2s3nil66euJ2LfuzL7mGYxvgmOwtNSFR5x_wZTnGmf-0GeyU5xIoAJaxkxUs3j-7ZtJQHmRRCSXZeHNIXqKAOYuvmy1PFq0vLrqlvZ/s850/Panzerblitz.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="760" data-original-width="850" height="286" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7MsJlxFMgP2SLkVdWo7uanS6AiP07DCYtUAiZaV3lcK8jD_VPyjQ5IJt2mI_Xq_kM2aPMlvR_jCi8-_9Ru-ujHU2s3nil66euJ2LfuzL7mGYxvgmOwtNSFR5x_wZTnGmf-0GeyU5xIoAJaxkxUs3j-7ZtJQHmRRCSXZeHNIXqKAOYuvmy1PFq0vLrqlvZ/s320/Panzerblitz.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">If anyone fancies trying this at home, this is my 'geomorphic' map template which converts the PB boards into 1km hexes. Print it out, cut it along the lines and you have three geomorphic maps which replicate the PB layouts. I ignore the half hexes on the outside as I was a bit generous with the width. I've also realised that for the scenarios with the maps end-end they are a bit too long. I guess ignore the top and bottom hex rows and they will be OK?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Another useful game with things to think about. I'm really not sure about ZOC - in the original game units could just zip past each other, whereas the ZOC make it a bit too easy to block units, otoh it compensates for the less granular terrain model. What to do? </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I'm also not sure what to do about spotting or artillery calling. I don't see why armour can't call IF, at least not German armour which was well equipped with radios. Some of the scenarios just won't work with the current rules (eg Positional Defence), so I think I'll free it up a bit on a scenario basis to start with. I also really need to think about how gullies work, in my head they are still the PB ones.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">So, a few things to think about before the next game. I'm going to have a crack at one of my absolute favourite scenarios, Stalino, which is as asymmetrical as it gets, and also features fixed defences. I'm afraid you'll have to wait a couple of weeks for that one. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><p><br /></p>Martin Rapierhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16788664847205341619noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2410063836503200299.post-40371268264030393032024-03-14T01:08:00.000-07:002024-03-14T01:08:48.539-07:0015mm QRF Quads<p> The last of my Stage One desert Brits were some tows to go with the 25pdrs. In this case I got a couple of Quads from QRF. I actually have four of these already, all marked up as Denzil Skinner models, and painted for NWE. If I wanted loads I could have got the PSC ones I guess, but the price rather put me off.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhdP5pPCN0E0tf-u8xbHa1C0YScDa3Md38GZUiFjXUoHHJ_CmHzKiW4p23mO4Ix01qyAGpQ9e4c-Lqj6heIJUTPNoYQbjwuniw4OXLpIhF7JBOIA9G3reMEOn8mrIGT5OEpLuqzCtpEifQjaTvPHg4adP2URDSFkI_FvWCFGavQtO36e3CRvOpEZTYe4bJ/s3264/20230915_132725.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2448" data-original-width="3264" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhdP5pPCN0E0tf-u8xbHa1C0YScDa3Md38GZUiFjXUoHHJ_CmHzKiW4p23mO4Ix01qyAGpQ9e4c-Lqj6heIJUTPNoYQbjwuniw4OXLpIhF7JBOIA9G3reMEOn8mrIGT5OEpLuqzCtpEifQjaTvPHg4adP2URDSFkI_FvWCFGavQtO36e3CRvOpEZTYe4bJ/s320/20230915_132725.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">They are Quads, nice easy models. Single piece bodies and five wheels. Something has obviously changed over the decades though, as these are my old QRF Quads (below) .</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhn1QKgPlOZ2dEy2ip97FknUGruHta4gO9FogOHX_gFX62WrUTjgwYbvZDo4FurBNOboo9FTXduIdqJ45r_oEwjthktDNjBB8Ua63qbCNkRb6IMRAxK4nkTI5PurQgjnnc2TT4Qx9bXuTNcy5RJn0RagMromNN76RD2-gyiplV9cV92RzZWa7r3jpukYcIM/s3264/20231110_181652.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2448" data-original-width="3264" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhn1QKgPlOZ2dEy2ip97FknUGruHta4gO9FogOHX_gFX62WrUTjgwYbvZDo4FurBNOboo9FTXduIdqJ45r_oEwjthktDNjBB8Ua63qbCNkRb6IMRAxK4nkTI5PurQgjnnc2TT4Qx9bXuTNcy5RJn0RagMromNN76RD2-gyiplV9cV92RzZWa7r3jpukYcIM/s320/20231110_181652.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The wheels are completely different on these old ones.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxNt6cuNJ1C8WthSITYS5vEdkNK3ysNM8rrhq7B_H0IT3MARDgHInyawe0sTO5y5OzwpGr5a_ai0zehmqTjGkhxsiAfq5Fz1IRfuKr-rH_KDL_Piw-rPG9x53d9I_0D5ap2iJcBi9KrNG58-rVQYMXupE7WMY3IRhUP7t4LBAkDmwLgth0qOQ_LYt_AVb-/s3264/20231110_181702.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2448" data-original-width="3264" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxNt6cuNJ1C8WthSITYS5vEdkNK3ysNM8rrhq7B_H0IT3MARDgHInyawe0sTO5y5OzwpGr5a_ai0zehmqTjGkhxsiAfq5Fz1IRfuKr-rH_KDL_Piw-rPG9x53d9I_0D5ap2iJcBi9KrNG58-rVQYMXupE7WMY3IRhUP7t4LBAkDmwLgth0qOQ_LYt_AVb-/s320/20231110_181702.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Much more delicate, and much more like the wheels on real Quads.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhK2gMcpOJYuqimLIH9q89If0CUPIGN_thuxgqznOuKoH6ukoRyWiUH63XPuMxLty0qzwsOUzFyXrMSJJN7f0-oWC-pCEX8EanKrImSX16OPTX6-6gvZjCecSEm3cy1vUuh4vTT1ihS7yLydREvFdI3_681x4tnd-L_WvWuF2yZO17WC_KC-q4E8nYATiqt/s3264/20230915_132738.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2448" data-original-width="3264" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhK2gMcpOJYuqimLIH9q89If0CUPIGN_thuxgqznOuKoH6ukoRyWiUH63XPuMxLty0qzwsOUzFyXrMSJJN7f0-oWC-pCEX8EanKrImSX16OPTX6-6gvZjCecSEm3cy1vUuh4vTT1ihS7yLydREvFdI3_681x4tnd-L_WvWuF2yZO17WC_KC-q4E8nYATiqt/s320/20230915_132738.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Anyway, the new style wheels are fine. Slightly crude castings, but they look a lot more like the wheels on the Airfix Quad. Perhaps they are special desert tyres!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The wheels went on easily enough, helped with a bit of Blu Tak. The only slight issue with these is that as the moulds are quite old, some of the window backing was so thin it either wasn't there at all or was full of holes (you can see how the windows used to be solid on my NWE Quads).</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">It doesn't matter too much, I cleaned out the window frames where the backing was missing or damaged, and fortunately the windscreens were still intact so I could paint them.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbmE8uAKplLmYEo46136GdaPY4vu8T-m08dlN5nyMZ3M7sN2Z9TErUmEkdcOHFisWZd8ZNJfViwnpJ77vdusK_gAejBucikscVLv9Tr0SY0gN6Ty0LD_NLGQ-Cz0vuTvVPNCliL_kTGl--mt1tNZTKWI8R7I3WbH8DPY4TdEpi1NiKlFGc_2bxJFJGFmwH/s3264/20230915_132744.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2448" data-original-width="3264" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbmE8uAKplLmYEo46136GdaPY4vu8T-m08dlN5nyMZ3M7sN2Z9TErUmEkdcOHFisWZd8ZNJfViwnpJ77vdusK_gAejBucikscVLv9Tr0SY0gN6Ty0LD_NLGQ-Cz0vuTvVPNCliL_kTGl--mt1tNZTKWI8R7I3WbH8DPY4TdEpi1NiKlFGc_2bxJFJGFmwH/s320/20230915_132744.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Even though the moulds are old, they are still crisp enough to take a drybrush. I did them in Light Stone overall, which looks pretty good on these, and just a light drybrush of Pale Sand to bring out the highlights.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">If I've got gun models, I like to use them, and the same goes for prime movers, so these are a useful addition. My only slight disappointment is that QRF seems to be having problems. A recent order never arrived, and all communication with them has ceased, so I ended up raising a credit card dispute with them. I hope they don't fold as they have a great range and I've bought loads of stuff off them over the decades. Fingers crossed it is just a temporary glitch. </div><br /><p><br /></p>Martin Rapierhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16788664847205341619noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2410063836503200299.post-88891386711057100292024-03-11T01:13:00.000-07:002024-03-11T01:13:35.182-07:00Panzerblitz with Gridded WW2 again - Relief of Kiev 1943<p> Another tryout for the Grid Based WW2 Rules with a Panzerblitz scenario. Having reflected on the last game I've made a few mods to more reflect how Panzerblitz played, rather than having the One Hour Wargames elements in it. These comprise:</p><p>Road move bonus for all units (+1 hex for most +2 for wheeled). In PB, a truck could actually do 5km down a road and a PzIV could do 4km, so these are conservative.</p><p>Stacking limits of 3 in open hexes, two otherwise, but only one per hex on a road or inside a gully.</p><p>Having Open Woods and Dense Woods. Any unit can enter the former, but only infantry the latter. Only infantry get cover benefits though. This better represents the ability on the PB boards to weave through some of the dense terrain. Dense woods are those clusters of hexes with loads of 'impassable' hexsides.</p><p>Introduce gullies, pretty much as written in PB. Enter/leave as terrain, units can only see in/out at one hex at ground level, and can move along through otherwise impassable terrain apart from marshes.</p><p>All units can enter town hexes, but only infantry get the cover benefit. The villages on the PB boards are tiny (a couple of 250m hexes), in a 1km x 1km hex they don't take up enough space to justify banning vehicles. </p><p>I did toy with the idea of using Panzerblitz spotting, so units in cover can only be seen be adjacent units. Given the less granular terrain, I don't think this is going to work. I also thought about increasing the ranges e.g. Panthers and Tigers have a range of 3km in PB, towed 88s, 5km! But I'll stick with the existing ranges as they are more in line with actual combat ranges. The only change (which I forgot in the game) is to limit 120mm mortars and infantry guns to 5 hex range. I also decided to ignore the advance after combat rule, it makes tanks too good and isn't very PB.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5-kPrHEiY3pQRooXfZTNlxRyE7ZCWtKw4SE-ocE-YONmxjHCbEaaN0ZdbCeDMy4Cs5Xyr9XIhx_RBXRcQfaIRUMRQ5GSo2rdpQjG5OtaiPdgPcSvzd3mgRw_gqqRidHeWYoI3vclzq_16hT5VOXo2Zq8jEz_C9dY1hPIarE7xiz3Yh55nDAfWP1suzsN1/s3264/20240227_105511.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2448" data-original-width="3264" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5-kPrHEiY3pQRooXfZTNlxRyE7ZCWtKw4SE-ocE-YONmxjHCbEaaN0ZdbCeDMy4Cs5Xyr9XIhx_RBXRcQfaIRUMRQ5GSo2rdpQjG5OtaiPdgPcSvzd3mgRw_gqqRidHeWYoI3vclzq_16hT5VOXo2Zq8jEz_C9dY1hPIarE7xiz3Yh55nDAfWP1suzsN1/s320/20240227_105511.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Panzerblitz (PB) Situation 7, Relief of Kiev. 19th Panzer and 6th Guards Tank Army clash near Kiev in November 1943. The winner is the side with the most units on Board 2 (ie the centre board) at the end of the game. Differing ratios give greater levels of victory and the Germans win if it is a draw as there are a LOT of Russians.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The wrinkle is that both sides enter the game in road column, proceeding at a stately 3km per turn until they bump into each other in the middle. Neil Thomas adapted this as one of his OHW scenarios, but I played it several times in its PB incarnation.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDpFc_yjG1ay3oVJB2JPawjwLxuxEXSlfADMUSbFnYATc-4IzL0CthnkSmMo23BIdl6EpMx-uulRYRwPRWxIt4wn2sgd5_ILooYTXD1Rpb6gAMETeN8cmIUvt40Ji_aBWwlyEnLQyeKLsukz0J2uWUUc7dZb0hTsctSB5s1LojoigxrRRXjEYR4j2WQWzX/s3264/20240227_105624.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2448" data-original-width="3264" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDpFc_yjG1ay3oVJB2JPawjwLxuxEXSlfADMUSbFnYATc-4IzL0CthnkSmMo23BIdl6EpMx-uulRYRwPRWxIt4wn2sgd5_ILooYTXD1Rpb6gAMETeN8cmIUvt40Ji_aBWwlyEnLQyeKLsukz0J2uWUUc7dZb0hTsctSB5s1LojoigxrRRXjEYR4j2WQWzX/s320/20240227_105624.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Here is the PB board, Board 2 is the one in the middle with the big hill. The German enter through the wooded, hilly, marshy board and the Russians via the Steppe board. There are lots and lots of gullies to constrain north-south movement.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">In PB it usually degenerates into a huge slaughterfest all over that big hill with its deadly open ground hexes, but there are no armoured overrun rules in this variant, so we shall see.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjH-bckManp95PRHRgWuC9SNdepXL0KeIPIShFO-PcbcaCO2qZq47sT8J4ux1-WNecDm2jB7G1Ker1K3FAAihvLZCij7AJwJr6dYKfJxqM896i_mepNgDn7-idW7FGzio59d1HckaZcy_03_NYwxgbsrUW49mPTWOgsA3xGG6wxY4kMtmAPpCH0lho9FDXr/s3264/20240227_105531.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2448" data-original-width="3264" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjH-bckManp95PRHRgWuC9SNdepXL0KeIPIShFO-PcbcaCO2qZq47sT8J4ux1-WNecDm2jB7G1Ker1K3FAAihvLZCij7AJwJr6dYKfJxqM896i_mepNgDn7-idW7FGzio59d1HckaZcy_03_NYwxgbsrUW49mPTWOgsA3xGG6wxY4kMtmAPpCH0lho9FDXr/s320/20240227_105531.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">My attempt to model it on a 9x8 hex grid. I've tried to keep the relationships between the key features (hills, woods, gullies and roads) even if it isn't a precise mapping. I'm going to treat 'Board 2' as the middle three hexes, measured 3 hexes from the German side and 2 hexes from the Russian. I gave the Russians the advantage as the Steppe board is so open. Think of it as variable size area movement...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I wonder if I need to go to 9x9, so each PB board is 9x3? In any case, I used my desert transition Hexon for this one, as it is Ukraine and not yet really winter. </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnU5aHfkG8jOWj_OvIjTX6TBccPBQhFUpQGyq5nEPzJFsAcS0WT4Uvm0y6v8bheSe1_fSRwbduaYzxqeu0nWrkv98M9iWG1CGcRBdyqKty_TnMwr3Rw0Q3M9clBYfoIrJGx5FA5NJKN79vUoYpKU7QYbNS3KitA8GTSUK2Nl-dnKRy8SWFFuRcUwNdXAto/s3264/20240227_105701.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2448" data-original-width="3264" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnU5aHfkG8jOWj_OvIjTX6TBccPBQhFUpQGyq5nEPzJFsAcS0WT4Uvm0y6v8bheSe1_fSRwbduaYzxqeu0nWrkv98M9iWG1CGcRBdyqKty_TnMwr3Rw0Q3M9clBYfoIrJGx5FA5NJKN79vUoYpKU7QYbNS3KitA8GTSUK2Nl-dnKRy8SWFFuRcUwNdXAto/s320/20240227_105701.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The main thing is that unlike that last game, most of the woods are 'open' (with 1 tree), with just a few 'dense' (2 trees). This is based on my analysis of the impassable hexsides in the PB tree clusters, and is a bit arbitrary but should produce some blocks. </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6INSGQhXN0_F_ZsS1G10DYaOD92hMROjqYaE0ysXF2btH3QGm6huTdDdXNUHtkBgU0nH1Bu9b6XaKBvNf8l3EcwJQpxiE8Ptu38sbpHh75RT8h0CF1hRy-2fuNMtzLPvQebqp6WzlFul_Q6f1N51YNMlK7HEviOaC9IXi1ITf3q4fa_2XoUKlLlRs_brJ/s3264/20240227_105713.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3264" data-original-width="2448" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6INSGQhXN0_F_ZsS1G10DYaOD92hMROjqYaE0ysXF2btH3QGm6huTdDdXNUHtkBgU0nH1Bu9b6XaKBvNf8l3EcwJQpxiE8Ptu38sbpHh75RT8h0CF1hRy-2fuNMtzLPvQebqp6WzlFul_Q6f1N51YNMlK7HEviOaC9IXi1ITf3q4fa_2XoUKlLlRs_brJ/s320/20240227_105713.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">19th Panzer. I just went with a 1:3 ratio of PB counters to companies, although I did have to do some amalgamations. The Germans end up with 1 x armoured recce, 2 x Panthers, 2 x Pz IV, 1 x Stug, 2 x Mech Infantry, 1 x towed Mortar (120mm), 1 x SP Artillery and 1 x towed AT.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Each unit is a tank company (15 tanks) or a rifle company.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoo65s_uUNhFHROj7CTw5_WaGgGFBeMJGDyTG-6s7PP-492-UR7rv8PWOOUA_j40-KaDtjxX4gr1_vxxbQBGoHIAuasQjYOP6FGTLj3aHUi8peqsq30AFqbWyGwpJtediDgsFMkisT4TGKsKICufQ3je81_7VOgK_Xg8dsx0HYdi1r-a1uQiAvqkzs_gbI/s3264/20240227_105723.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3264" data-original-width="2448" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoo65s_uUNhFHROj7CTw5_WaGgGFBeMJGDyTG-6s7PP-492-UR7rv8PWOOUA_j40-KaDtjxX4gr1_vxxbQBGoHIAuasQjYOP6FGTLj3aHUi8peqsq30AFqbWyGwpJtediDgsFMkisT4TGKsKICufQ3je81_7VOgK_Xg8dsx0HYdi1r-a1uQiAvqkzs_gbI/s320/20240227_105723.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">For the Russians I did a similar amalgamation, but I did a 3:1 ratio for tank units, but only 2:1 for Infantry. That is because the Russian infantry counters (companies) are twice as powerful as the German ones, whereas the each PB Sov tank company is only the equivalent of a German platoon. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Each tank unit represents around 30 AFVs, and each infantry unit, half a battalion. The Russians ended up with 2 x T34/85 (in 1943? really?), 4 x T34, 1 x SU152, 1 x SU85, 1 x towed AT, 1 x towed 76mm artillery, 1 x Armoured recce and 4 x Motorised infantry. That is the equivalent of 240 AFVs and two motor SMG battalions, the thick end of an entire Tank Corps.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguHTO2-v26utvsnsDbYVmyN-3zLZZcqLecmcR8riqKhSW7yrcFr_UCOkj4sII2v4mrmD_9HRgK_s62CiGuDQ_AVG4jShEhJiwKFusBKKehHCWA6iLdRD_oU1rEXuicKArdvV4qSrOpwrSatL6mJQSN2hyhBzi4g00JUi7a0NquHvEIh4eUsiAluhu4JwiC/s3264/20240227_110203.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2448" data-original-width="3264" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguHTO2-v26utvsnsDbYVmyN-3zLZZcqLecmcR8riqKhSW7yrcFr_UCOkj4sII2v4mrmD_9HRgK_s62CiGuDQ_AVG4jShEhJiwKFusBKKehHCWA6iLdRD_oU1rEXuicKArdvV4qSrOpwrSatL6mJQSN2hyhBzi4g00JUi7a0NquHvEIh4eUsiAluhu4JwiC/s320/20240227_110203.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Each side has to set a march order, and that is how units arrive, stacked one per road hex. With 11 German units, that is a long column. On turn 1, they just march on and move 3 hexes (which I've just realised that towed guns can't actually do with the written movement rates!). I led with the Stugs, followed by the recce to spot for the artillery, then a Panther. </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLOSein6fW1d5i7LSGGKqgqNq0YYnHn2boeA1sEh2RkzoXZSFSVWyi6GiP4yxUAqdjXDY6bUc1e9k-3ZVQ7SNS-IycP6l1ae-8K7XaAJgVxvqPR3TAO1KEqLN4gdOZRHMAmrGd1elmkx0C8lRNNy1_O3EbAyv_si2tuXOlOWhANCjRcmuAwQKlnzsS-EuX/s3264/20240227_110212.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2448" data-original-width="3264" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLOSein6fW1d5i7LSGGKqgqNq0YYnHn2boeA1sEh2RkzoXZSFSVWyi6GiP4yxUAqdjXDY6bUc1e9k-3ZVQ7SNS-IycP6l1ae-8K7XaAJgVxvqPR3TAO1KEqLN4gdOZRHMAmrGd1elmkx0C8lRNNy1_O3EbAyv_si2tuXOlOWhANCjRcmuAwQKlnzsS-EuX/s320/20240227_110212.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">With 15 elements, the Russian column is even longer. It goes on for miles! They led with a T34, followed by the recce. I suppose I should lead both columns with the recce, but it is actually too useful as an FOO to lose early on.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoh2c4tr6daIhnwGuJSG7FD9p7T4rLKm7GPgIiULuvQ1mPis1v154bDniJFgI26_ScDHXQxXnRz0P2tHa8hBp8OzlX16d7dKGhAgc25FmbU03RNgBuHEZKmuphSMfvVzzS430mhO-h5lEIxM_vHoGkN9Qi_mP9bMRTUmZ4gNzlVePTMHgrPtJ3PtaV2nuA/s3264/20240227_110827.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2448" data-original-width="3264" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoh2c4tr6daIhnwGuJSG7FD9p7T4rLKm7GPgIiULuvQ1mPis1v154bDniJFgI26_ScDHXQxXnRz0P2tHa8hBp8OzlX16d7dKGhAgc25FmbU03RNgBuHEZKmuphSMfvVzzS430mhO-h5lEIxM_vHoGkN9Qi_mP9bMRTUmZ4gNzlVePTMHgrPtJ3PtaV2nuA/s320/20240227_110827.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Both columns trundle forwards for another turn. They make contact in the original scenario when they are three (250m) hexes apart, ie adjacent with 1km hexes. Now, on my table, that would mean the Russians spot first, but counting hexes on the original boards, it is clear the scenario intention is that the Germans spot first. So I tweaked the 'contact' criteria to first spot - so the Germans get to react first, having seen the lead T34 battalion. </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmtBS9En5lAg0krguqb_29fxPpZRWkrEe62mu1aef9Opuf5JM5tiDjTkivnxi2_LeD_cpioDx93U4leTtxNBPOCmyxdm60kZYS1aBDHuPsE28J9MWuKbTLQINX-uWezxvlSxgzAMlIqPAbmwxlJd4O-z_YZEnJl-GHWS4wAtOIGXRtOnEzQbdD8HIeG6Yx/s3264/20240227_110839.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2448" data-original-width="3264" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmtBS9En5lAg0krguqb_29fxPpZRWkrEe62mu1aef9Opuf5JM5tiDjTkivnxi2_LeD_cpioDx93U4leTtxNBPOCmyxdm60kZYS1aBDHuPsE28J9MWuKbTLQINX-uWezxvlSxgzAMlIqPAbmwxlJd4O-z_YZEnJl-GHWS4wAtOIGXRtOnEzQbdD8HIeG6Yx/s320/20240227_110839.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Once contact is made, units can deploy off the road, which the leading Soviet elements duly do. The artillery heads off down that side road to get unlimbered. The rest of the column has to still plod on to the table along the road though, so choosing the right march order is vital. For the Russians I alternated tanks and infantry, with the SP guns and towed AT at the rear. This is actually very flexible, and I send mixed tank/infantry teams off to each flank.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHOYcP-yYaau8vhiAj5cf-Y36xQ364R72n2GKkc-i3IBBNojLd7L9Wwa0Iub8dl91kM6SKfswsqFDxeGEVK9t2eatD-0l9C-XPsmV3evC1gP0coI1RXPEkb1PGvcq0NuOFuqj2diOIheeQK7uees1JZAGpbYBW9cfgD7coTxDHuXroZB_ICTTlWH09kJyP/s3264/20240227_111948.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2448" data-original-width="3264" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHOYcP-yYaau8vhiAj5cf-Y36xQ364R72n2GKkc-i3IBBNojLd7L9Wwa0Iub8dl91kM6SKfswsqFDxeGEVK9t2eatD-0l9C-XPsmV3evC1gP0coI1RXPEkb1PGvcq0NuOFuqj2diOIheeQK7uees1JZAGpbYBW9cfgD7coTxDHuXroZB_ICTTlWH09kJyP/s320/20240227_111948.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">As in the original PB scenario, the Russians get a foothold on the big hill first, and the German have to decide what to do about it. In the absence of PBs armour overrun rule, I can basically choose to keep advancing or stop and shoot. The German choose to shoot, and get very lucky and destroy the lead T34s, despite them being 2km away and hull down. The supporting German elements move cross country and close up in support. The 'open woods' terrain type is really coming into its own here, although eagle eyed readers will note two patches of 'dense woods', one at the north end of the big hill, the other at the base of the small hill, with half a battalion of Stugs parked on the only road through it...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The bend in the road around the hill allows lots of Germans to get deployed quickly offroad and up the ridge.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVE-C9yPr6mXoIBL4n03tcUrVEN_UpSJRv63H4NGaqBrIlTx_-pSLa0CofEEoKuM6F4HPjF0kiX7fEQg8NoP_15n8g3VuYCfl4TMwv_aSj3qKACK1lewfGQXv-X-V9ifEbrUUc8nki2xYiI5ihs4GPoLBGb9JQUQfkPj4qFWakZjOGrq5v9yxpARSljLCl/s3264/20240227_112536.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2448" data-original-width="3264" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVE-C9yPr6mXoIBL4n03tcUrVEN_UpSJRv63H4NGaqBrIlTx_-pSLa0CofEEoKuM6F4HPjF0kiX7fEQg8NoP_15n8g3VuYCfl4TMwv_aSj3qKACK1lewfGQXv-X-V9ifEbrUUc8nki2xYiI5ihs4GPoLBGb9JQUQfkPj4qFWakZjOGrq5v9yxpARSljLCl/s320/20240227_112536.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The burning T34s block the road and occupy space in the hex. The rest of the Russians start to deploy on the reverse slope, although some infantry occupy the village and the recce the northern wood, using the road. They call in artillery fire on the visible Germans, which hilariously rolls a '1' and the Russian artillery disrupts itself!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbI_Ed6lgeIKKIRACvyR5KbL41G7-wW3HmH4-ADnvYwqyO0iZTtxFcHHC8zgDoAoz8sat-qNKYlaLfIBnasbDCheapSwrTeB8g8pmsgUnNJ4v3kkiiwoI4qbXoIWeQFLi1JstsExiUlh1bt5CWnGDgonTJ1M1iK4sUtngZ8rn2htWYTE3fFZvQlFx2UAZC/s3264/20240227_112546.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2448" data-original-width="3264" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbI_Ed6lgeIKKIRACvyR5KbL41G7-wW3HmH4-ADnvYwqyO0iZTtxFcHHC8zgDoAoz8sat-qNKYlaLfIBnasbDCheapSwrTeB8g8pmsgUnNJ4v3kkiiwoI4qbXoIWeQFLi1JstsExiUlh1bt5CWnGDgonTJ1M1iK4sUtngZ8rn2htWYTE3fFZvQlFx2UAZC/s320/20240227_112546.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Half the Russian army is still moving up, the road is till the fastest option.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhE9njyHnLBT38OI_MbBBsWXZBlfdU9dEpkNtdha5f1_Ehw6U428xNosWT-WCQozFF2JoTgm3Nuu2AP70Tugy5OcdNjiSHiTT4D3bLyvDJRjRnlCOlxYmHRJv7A7BMUn9g_uQO9qcVPAaLgHJnawBH2kiDKy9bUaTUq-Zgb0qwKxlVsA4ckz1ZVxuLrFJWL/s3264/20240227_113414.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2448" data-original-width="3264" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhE9njyHnLBT38OI_MbBBsWXZBlfdU9dEpkNtdha5f1_Ehw6U428xNosWT-WCQozFF2JoTgm3Nuu2AP70Tugy5OcdNjiSHiTT4D3bLyvDJRjRnlCOlxYmHRJv7A7BMUn9g_uQO9qcVPAaLgHJnawBH2kiDKy9bUaTUq-Zgb0qwKxlVsA4ckz1ZVxuLrFJWL/s320/20240227_113414.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Moving over and around the hill the Germans can form up faster. The leading elements advance towards the Russians as artillery fire suppresses the Russian infantry.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzj76NVR8r0LWfs6nyyBTfrIEKYRQ50WI3ZyIO7egIv_rn1Xl2UfEUBme193zGS2MpILG8XfX_ZlsAucKlavowWtU4s6zXxlLpyjWN8ArBAC1aWVcRPRfxNkefCL2ghVjYaaVe6rCSmhtDnOMFjTho7vRC8Oi8xtKc21ka-McMPyC66cytsbojOkY0bapo/s3264/20240227_113848.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2448" data-original-width="3264" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzj76NVR8r0LWfs6nyyBTfrIEKYRQ50WI3ZyIO7egIv_rn1Xl2UfEUBme193zGS2MpILG8XfX_ZlsAucKlavowWtU4s6zXxlLpyjWN8ArBAC1aWVcRPRfxNkefCL2ghVjYaaVe6rCSmhtDnOMFjTho7vRC8Oi8xtKc21ka-McMPyC66cytsbojOkY0bapo/s320/20240227_113848.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The Russians (ie me!) suddenly realise that as they have more stuff than the Germans, the onus of attack is on the enemy, so they just pile more elements into the defence of the rear of the hill, although infantry are over the crest in the village and wood. The recce heads off north the other side of the gully. If the Russians can just park most of their army on the centre board, they will win by default.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpwRTKNUNdD8nTbLGpU80x6dJzxw6EiIP-A2WdU4NjMIz4qzQm0KuYKGDHo9BRhNZwU2Igdpy5qGSzEcj3IpRIAngFjy99RZBkpCf90nOUdjyfmfarGIjipU59CZhb3qrU84wMKmVdxXLN3bsxk-jLrMLgdAGtoETIfJI5Dip8l6kSYiX23r1tGXFG2TU1/s3264/20240227_113854.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2448" data-original-width="3264" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpwRTKNUNdD8nTbLGpU80x6dJzxw6EiIP-A2WdU4NjMIz4qzQm0KuYKGDHo9BRhNZwU2Igdpy5qGSzEcj3IpRIAngFjy99RZBkpCf90nOUdjyfmfarGIjipU59CZhb3qrU84wMKmVdxXLN3bsxk-jLrMLgdAGtoETIfJI5Dip8l6kSYiX23r1tGXFG2TU1/s320/20240227_113854.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The Germans sneak around the north flank a bit. At this rate the Wespes will be firing over open sights! Sadly tanks and SP guns aren't very good at rooting infantry out of woods.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0lJ_m4py6C3MXCkB7bNceTh8vkQkJRg0oQIyND2XzqVzUqLg2GjykqRNiDYL6yzjk66Hw21fB_z9tIbVAwUTSQBhWCf8RVG8pHoE75FGRW0qRI9ArzEaCJz7xPjkmKGI08jr6oDgGRojIN8XaFqbPRR_gOaWZbusKT_RUpf30rLwAOTYM7woYxyjEh5qX/s3264/20240227_114323.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2448" data-original-width="3264" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0lJ_m4py6C3MXCkB7bNceTh8vkQkJRg0oQIyND2XzqVzUqLg2GjykqRNiDYL6yzjk66Hw21fB_z9tIbVAwUTSQBhWCf8RVG8pHoE75FGRW0qRI9ArzEaCJz7xPjkmKGI08jr6oDgGRojIN8XaFqbPRR_gOaWZbusKT_RUpf30rLwAOTYM7woYxyjEh5qX/s320/20240227_114323.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The Germans put in a mass infantry/armour assault. One of the Soviet infantry is completely destroyed, the other disrupted, but the German 120mm mortars roll a '1' and run out of ammo. Mmm, might change that to a '6', it seems more sensible. I suggested that idea to Chris Kemp and he adopted it for NQM.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjM1zbysfEJK_h5HC83cE6gsvJ5IUU3Ot9fFlGm_in9_URpGqVuRFXDydvgZDHi0MXBwSc7NMQnQ_D4EZxQh3TXWh4xrUmgZll-bviKhLGcCM5ySek5LwWXOCT06N5Ua5exUTw3tT-cM1NGXfQaZgSrVDkIre1N6E6Q6PJrId7vmUsfpbT4f9J4T-rWPxXZ/s3264/20240227_114645.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2448" data-original-width="3264" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjM1zbysfEJK_h5HC83cE6gsvJ5IUU3Ot9fFlGm_in9_URpGqVuRFXDydvgZDHi0MXBwSc7NMQnQ_D4EZxQh3TXWh4xrUmgZll-bviKhLGcCM5ySek5LwWXOCT06N5Ua5exUTw3tT-cM1NGXfQaZgSrVDkIre1N6E6Q6PJrId7vmUsfpbT4f9J4T-rWPxXZ/s320/20240227_114645.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">There isn't any point exposing themselves to the massed German fire, so the Russians fall back to the reverse slope to reorganise and beef up their defences. The Russians have lost two units and the Germans nothing at all so far, just the odd disruption. </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhB5iQOmqE6YYwDpoYsIaMZ-tTzkQrzt1bdc31ZOwdZc0S0iwQLwDiWVA29ykMFFYPV46mKcWbqPOL0yeOngH1gsSc6Ug9fk-zExDOzft_eGVolQptydZGc7GbS_5iEA743fAljbTX5dJZwD14kXEcD41eJTm9nOWwbSfm8CBNu1t_jchyphenhyphenkYVkQFxTclpX-/s3264/20240227_115029.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2448" data-original-width="3264" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhB5iQOmqE6YYwDpoYsIaMZ-tTzkQrzt1bdc31ZOwdZc0S0iwQLwDiWVA29ykMFFYPV46mKcWbqPOL0yeOngH1gsSc6Ug9fk-zExDOzft_eGVolQptydZGc7GbS_5iEA743fAljbTX5dJZwD14kXEcD41eJTm9nOWwbSfm8CBNu1t_jchyphenhyphenkYVkQFxTclpX-/s320/20240227_115029.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">If the Germans can kill two more Russian units, they will achieve a marginal victory, so in goes another assault, which rolls right up onto the hill. Unfortunately the German armour is stymied by the dense wood at the top end of the hill. German artillery manages to disrupt the Russian recce.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUh3NPt8uDLy9Vj8YPOsC5RalI7M0B99xLW67jYVXgoVSbORNQpPV774tmCmM_WQB5azPnNlNqBiZaEVeVxdekP3YBLX1Z5svsn68wcMEDbSBQEhClEiAjGXBEnr3GI6ZeXAVRgrweTtv_A9eJRAOqh2xgsD5nOxPg2d1MqYAJBnrQj2RLp8YWW2JEbv4D/s3264/20240227_115449.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2448" data-original-width="3264" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUh3NPt8uDLy9Vj8YPOsC5RalI7M0B99xLW67jYVXgoVSbORNQpPV774tmCmM_WQB5azPnNlNqBiZaEVeVxdekP3YBLX1Z5svsn68wcMEDbSBQEhClEiAjGXBEnr3GI6ZeXAVRgrweTtv_A9eJRAOqh2xgsD5nOxPg2d1MqYAJBnrQj2RLp8YWW2JEbv4D/s320/20240227_115449.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Russian defensive fire scatters disruptions among the Germans, but doesn't kill anything. The hull down German armour in the village is a tough prospect, but so is the Russian reverse slope defence.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSHqG44zpAKfMng9D9xpZtnaYOMjX7oywt9wD_46Az8ZS2SutlglruUEkgaAptJV6HbhmdvQtAdbuRe4B6obZOfhyphenhyphenHXaa9ZJXc2jEb-EB3QTsza5wdejUQt912nUPoN0iAmXFo2G4hsVP5AgfKJkwUosUuNL5Bsrs4OfoLbVJSe-Y1Ff8CDNcSpSZ9Oe-5/s3264/20240227_115745.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2448" data-original-width="3264" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSHqG44zpAKfMng9D9xpZtnaYOMjX7oywt9wD_46Az8ZS2SutlglruUEkgaAptJV6HbhmdvQtAdbuRe4B6obZOfhyphenhyphenHXaa9ZJXc2jEb-EB3QTsza5wdejUQt912nUPoN0iAmXFo2G4hsVP5AgfKJkwUosUuNL5Bsrs4OfoLbVJSe-Y1Ff8CDNcSpSZ9Oe-5/s320/20240227_115745.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The German disrupted units are vulnerable though, and are likely to be destroyed by counterfire if they hang around, so they fall back to reorganise. German artillery finishes off the Russian recce though. The German just need to kill one more Russian unit for parity in numbers and a marginal victory.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiu3m0AcqSdmuiR4PrXkfAg0564Kd_LBSDYO0-_HNPGVqZBvbT42bqtTKXdzX6DcoWUQC4Smb6b-Pqo3YdmFuC-uaOToL8rizL0Zk07Q4ADZepCTZ_xjGPE29lVZmGmGqkkSkn90GdOfp6BGkhbdS6LC8NzWNgXY0ZPwGlNzgRSeX2PbT3OVgfx3GINMB_x/s3264/20240227_115916.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2448" data-original-width="3264" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiu3m0AcqSdmuiR4PrXkfAg0564Kd_LBSDYO0-_HNPGVqZBvbT42bqtTKXdzX6DcoWUQC4Smb6b-Pqo3YdmFuC-uaOToL8rizL0Zk07Q4ADZepCTZ_xjGPE29lVZmGmGqkkSkn90GdOfp6BGkhbdS6LC8NzWNgXY0ZPwGlNzgRSeX2PbT3OVgfx3GINMB_x/s320/20240227_115916.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The Russians now focus on building up a strong line on the reverse slope. Parking those T34s on the handy hill is very unpleasant as they can fire over their pals below.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKuB-hNuOaI-W06uRD55G6xKioY5OZiX5DGf-oGGbz5ZCo_r0jeAJp5mvIWIK1fNZpasnW5ahFkUjVC7WNizjbPQ6aMBBe7aWlqLpwdYBknyLpfGNiQKpfd9k8GD3ym-Y7K-Hhi5kXMJa_S3rtmNKQp-s64eDDzEOf0kFGa1DpF1ahdeXW3h_VPibXsQuz/s3264/20240227_120219.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2448" data-original-width="3264" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKuB-hNuOaI-W06uRD55G6xKioY5OZiX5DGf-oGGbz5ZCo_r0jeAJp5mvIWIK1fNZpasnW5ahFkUjVC7WNizjbPQ6aMBBe7aWlqLpwdYBknyLpfGNiQKpfd9k8GD3ym-Y7K-Hhi5kXMJa_S3rtmNKQp-s64eDDzEOf0kFGa1DpF1ahdeXW3h_VPibXsQuz/s320/20240227_120219.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">In go the Germans again, Panthers, Pz IVs, Mech Infantry.... even the armoured recce get stuck in, while the Stugs and towed AT make their way along the gully north of the hill.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjC66FGAJTH8W2entD9XX5LVRV0kuZsUOyYxiO8imCV0ePwDSFGXf-0C4SuaaleP730vWk-Qt0Z_QGfBcvPSytfVCxkwumcw_zirBYfNUvu8VuWk6f6Wv0TBu2IVWrxoKmOfdGD6bBoBlGRhubx5mgXKIzy1VJ8LG5n2ES0CpI9piNwFHYjB-vvTT5ybq9s/s3264/20240227_120546.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2448" data-original-width="3264" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjC66FGAJTH8W2entD9XX5LVRV0kuZsUOyYxiO8imCV0ePwDSFGXf-0C4SuaaleP730vWk-Qt0Z_QGfBcvPSytfVCxkwumcw_zirBYfNUvu8VuWk6f6Wv0TBu2IVWrxoKmOfdGD6bBoBlGRhubx5mgXKIzy1VJ8LG5n2ES0CpI9piNwFHYjB-vvTT5ybq9s/s320/20240227_120546.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The Russian defensive fire once again disrupts some of the German units, but unfortunately one of the Pz IVs in destroyed. The Germans are two down now.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgakUX4-ESGYZ9U5Ik2TwGbSF-m4FwRcKCzDwv7ZtUqDbqTeReGV5XtR3sVO8oDPT50pc4r7MLqNaakGJriSocl_Mlcq6AjlCMrXMA1BCxxb-YwfJv47s6AGek3grTXuiNXCRsTgRZurS30QwjKfPiazT1xO56MJfFl7s7_0gRRIxaZTQ9V5i7uHbO5KXzn/s3264/20240227_120804.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2448" data-original-width="3264" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgakUX4-ESGYZ9U5Ik2TwGbSF-m4FwRcKCzDwv7ZtUqDbqTeReGV5XtR3sVO8oDPT50pc4r7MLqNaakGJriSocl_Mlcq6AjlCMrXMA1BCxxb-YwfJv47s6AGek3grTXuiNXCRsTgRZurS30QwjKfPiazT1xO56MJfFl7s7_0gRRIxaZTQ9V5i7uHbO5KXzn/s320/20240227_120804.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The Germans go all in and stick around, hoping for kills. But it isn't to be. In fact they were hideously unlucky rolling a series of '1's. Ouch.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7WKyeBTcIkeZ24Bwhe4SKeMcwBlCJARLXdC9TSI58SVrK4puKq_tTrP1lWnYb4qcmkaisNUIZsC61bAWuxnc2Puu7UlFYV49C-6BNyffeBVZsi7XLv6sBrtGByn0KAHiol-YWIuEBj4kozu8SkEZmTmICeQTf4HBx_mMEepGKADb7XMO7n4h192iVqdW2/s3264/20240227_121415.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2448" data-original-width="3264" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7WKyeBTcIkeZ24Bwhe4SKeMcwBlCJARLXdC9TSI58SVrK4puKq_tTrP1lWnYb4qcmkaisNUIZsC61bAWuxnc2Puu7UlFYV49C-6BNyffeBVZsi7XLv6sBrtGByn0KAHiol-YWIuEBj4kozu8SkEZmTmICeQTf4HBx_mMEepGKADb7XMO7n4h192iVqdW2/s320/20240227_121415.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Russian return fire kills more Germans, leaving just seven, and the survivors fall back to rally. The Russians have 12 units, and the Germans need to avoid losing another as that will give the Russians a 2:1 ratio and a Tactical Victory. </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCXaQOtVg_EDrz6xSknO5s2-63ATyarxERUVhFWSxiXBVPYTz9gdWAucotJ-j8mn8BhH57FG2yvtiEnAdCblAbD9grpM94ekssTeTbyO7lz3hcMo0EJ-BDwtsUc85KX0Lj9bcF5wvDOK6KXfDnGNO6S9335RLHlhn5nIjp1bguPEFpmQeVx5p3lYDRhttq/s3264/20240227_121602.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2448" data-original-width="3264" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCXaQOtVg_EDrz6xSknO5s2-63ATyarxERUVhFWSxiXBVPYTz9gdWAucotJ-j8mn8BhH57FG2yvtiEnAdCblAbD9grpM94ekssTeTbyO7lz3hcMo0EJ-BDwtsUc85KX0Lj9bcF5wvDOK6KXfDnGNO6S9335RLHlhn5nIjp1bguPEFpmQeVx5p3lYDRhttq/s320/20240227_121602.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">It is the last phase of the last turn, the Russians can't see anyone to engage so they just roll forward to consolidate their gains on and around the hill.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrUpSihsZaLzPWv0vUx9WWROSQnKOq4Q3ogpnIJVSycdAjjVSvvwF3aAGhMKpOINcAoNR2mhhDTr1x3laxAJPnjBE1IU1dBdUHQ7I7oxvE9mUhJRCST-8Wc75ZVIb2mLX68OPF29IoJQdTon3BPWkFS-EBDjHAiqO1WPYxNHGKtnFU8XmdM4T9CF_P94Oi/s3264/20240227_121616.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2448" data-original-width="3264" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrUpSihsZaLzPWv0vUx9WWROSQnKOq4Q3ogpnIJVSycdAjjVSvvwF3aAGhMKpOINcAoNR2mhhDTr1x3laxAJPnjBE1IU1dBdUHQ7I7oxvE9mUhJRCST-8Wc75ZVIb2mLX68OPF29IoJQdTon3BPWkFS-EBDjHAiqO1WPYxNHGKtnFU8XmdM4T9CF_P94Oi/s320/20240227_121616.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Well, it looks like Kiev isn't going to be liberated by 19th Panzer, but the Germans have held the Russians to 12:7 unit ratio on the centre board, so it is a marginal Russian victory. The Germans just fell apart in the last few turns and were unfortunate in not converting more disrupted Russian units into kills. That is the downside of a relatively low unit density and a coarse 1D6 combat system. A bit like DBA guess. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I really enjoyed that though, it definitely had a PB 'feel' to it but was much simpler to play and I like the challenge of mapping the very granular PB terrain onto a coarse grid. I've realised I'm basically making a game of a game, but I always enjoyed Panzerblitz, the relationships between ranges, move distances and combat effects just felt right. It is something I tried to do with my adaptations of NBC, but it ended up a bit fiddly.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">My mods don't seem to have broken it and the new terrain effects are working well. A few minor tweaks but I need to try a few more of my favourite old scenarios, thinking Vyazma, Nikopol Bridgehead, Stalino, one of the mobile defence ones and I can work up to Prochorovoka. I'm still getting to grips with the game system rather than the scenario strategy, and as each is fiendishly designed, you do need to think about them, quite a lot. I imagine the balance will shift with time, and I played these so much in PB I can generally recall the optimum strategies without digging out 'The Wargamers Guide to Panzerblitz'.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">After the game I figured out I need to go with a 9x8 BUT with the 'odd' hexes filled in to make it 9 wide in some places and 8 wide in others. That is the only way I can make the geomorphism work, and have a centre board, which is a key objective in many PB scenarios. We shall see how that pans out in the next game!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>Martin Rapierhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16788664847205341619noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2410063836503200299.post-61438892444948830052024-03-08T23:48:00.000-08:002024-03-08T23:48:12.840-08:00Marnach, December 1944<p> Tim put on a winter Bulge game using his 54mm stuff and Funny Little World Wars. The scenario was taken from the Command Decision 'Bastogne' scenario book, and the town of Marnach also featured on Russell and Tims recent Ardennes road trip.</p><p>This is the first scenario in the book, and has 2nd Panzer Division assaulting positions of the 28th Infantry (110th Regt) behind the Our River.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0ocDhZIFcgfoK7tkoZAaVjhQTWuiWxRjDN7U6EjkfEyg4vzShx65IeUYrXeZCDQ1ALNm32GvYRmI3EBxD_DUzghgJcW4cMw3AKO01lp4FwPNGKHyBv9XsAP_yneZwCRX1hSEiq8tjSlPvwsPDGdEj-CWHv7CFJHTmg8-ExSAGxvX-GXFQliLmcyCa8tOf/s3264/20240102_193012.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2448" data-original-width="3264" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0ocDhZIFcgfoK7tkoZAaVjhQTWuiWxRjDN7U6EjkfEyg4vzShx65IeUYrXeZCDQ1ALNm32GvYRmI3EBxD_DUzghgJcW4cMw3AKO01lp4FwPNGKHyBv9XsAP_yneZwCRX1hSEiq8tjSlPvwsPDGdEj-CWHv7CFJHTmg8-ExSAGxvX-GXFQliLmcyCa8tOf/s320/20240102_193012.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Overhead view of the map. A dispersed battalion of the 100th is holding Marnach (B5), and across the river o the west is Clervaux (A1). There is a company in Marnach with a 57mm AT platoon, another company in Clervaux with more 57mm guns, with a third company and a company of Shermans en route. There is also a battery of 105s (maybe a Cannon Company?) in D3.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Both battalions of 304 Panzergreandier Regiment are attacking from the east, as well as the infantry elements of the recce battalion (another two companies). The Germans have had to leave all their vehicles and towed guns behind as the River Our hasn't been bridged yet, so the only heavy weapons they have are their MG platoons, and lots of Panzerschrecks and Panzerfausts. They do have three artillery battalions in support.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZwf8w_b8GFL4GsfWdFvWLXXVx-8foMiLUBCWAj4lpT8n9u7k89VhpeIe1GA_3_LqMGrs-q5KEhuHm5dxx_FeTc80DPXvYAnTAtKrFRru7w_FoeCpBZkUN4KWCiWTkdgWYsOOfoMVuVaL6VSudDfnc68aFDqq81xAuJhE9-IrCslIfNnPTj2i2VXGoqQkD/s3264/20240102_193620.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2448" data-original-width="3264" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZwf8w_b8GFL4GsfWdFvWLXXVx-8foMiLUBCWAj4lpT8n9u7k89VhpeIe1GA_3_LqMGrs-q5KEhuHm5dxx_FeTc80DPXvYAnTAtKrFRru7w_FoeCpBZkUN4KWCiWTkdgWYsOOfoMVuVaL6VSudDfnc68aFDqq81xAuJhE9-IrCslIfNnPTj2i2VXGoqQkD/s320/20240102_193620.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The assembled hordes. A certain amount of dressing up took place, Micheal and Even did the US forces proud in full uniform, and Russell (the US CO) wore his scarf. One of Micheals neighbours in the US was the FOO for the artillery in the battle.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">John, Pete and I were the Germans, and we all managed appropriate hats, and I had my German officers tunic as well.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The plan was for Petes battalion (I/304) to take Marnach, my battalion (II/304) would support and then take the lead to Clervaux, while the recce battalion provided flank cover to the south. We had a pre-programmed fire plan covering the southern flank along row C, and a number of batteries on-call with FOOs assigned to each battalion HQ as well as various flare signals should the radios fail!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh04Nt9Z64zvqmBz67UnhRJnKvbkU0y2fnt4OEs3XYrrJn4xzJ7d7iJsGGWiSHzlzbTCjlL7CPsd-oLxmpJuc86u8VEBZur5Cx__7ZsqbPGbEHIlEs2zFv3iKKoPD_Z-xsSV0jiHWpZT9grK9e7ciSjhyebv5YaLAtbtHFnxWje5AtNxIkX33sJ6mEOJ3cD/s3264/20240102_193802.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2448" data-original-width="3264" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh04Nt9Z64zvqmBz67UnhRJnKvbkU0y2fnt4OEs3XYrrJn4xzJ7d7iJsGGWiSHzlzbTCjlL7CPsd-oLxmpJuc86u8VEBZur5Cx__7ZsqbPGbEHIlEs2zFv3iKKoPD_Z-xsSV0jiHWpZT9grK9e7ciSjhyebv5YaLAtbtHFnxWje5AtNxIkX33sJ6mEOJ3cD/s320/20240102_193802.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Tim moved his iPad around while we were playing, which gave us various worms eye views of the battlefield. This is Russells HQ in Clervaux looking east.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIj78cZgDsjr3y1j7ZTNIgoKwAxgqGghNMVMwpwZHcY2C2VTDa0QnR2zIbtGYKGDEDbV-DuybeKrM_bBrwdWWsRbO9CoREgpkqS6572YrlEIqIM-0LNOUrSTY2DQvAyfBa3dFRO90YUWUn7j1yp6aZYswMLx_1Gsr0t0cPyYyLoWfvL2wW91GTwxoI-QUD/s3264/20240102_193854.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2448" data-original-width="3264" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIj78cZgDsjr3y1j7ZTNIgoKwAxgqGghNMVMwpwZHcY2C2VTDa0QnR2zIbtGYKGDEDbV-DuybeKrM_bBrwdWWsRbO9CoREgpkqS6572YrlEIqIM-0LNOUrSTY2DQvAyfBa3dFRO90YUWUn7j1yp6aZYswMLx_1Gsr0t0cPyYyLoWfvL2wW91GTwxoI-QUD/s320/20240102_193854.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">A more overhead view of Marnach with the US infantry and 57mm gun in view. Tim said the real terrain was even more precipitous than his piles of books under the white cloth did justice too.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Just to add to the chaos, it was foggy, so visibility was very restricted, although it varied form turn to turn. Herbstnebel indeed.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirmpNF8r-RO5QPDOJhWvnA-0nkxwjMOO0MDzjmlGlNtkDDCRXx0ELo3Jl5Rzz2NdBRqRdsttb4lN4iKN7VSne_bHYe2c48wQ-WdH88jF0O1s0TrjBlvznWnGhDxkMFSyylqTHNCK6wHYktuoRZjYAFRdvz3QtRkjYtJadkqYL6mx_v3A1MCpaQwjXb19qX/s3264/20240102_194453.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2448" data-original-width="3264" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirmpNF8r-RO5QPDOJhWvnA-0nkxwjMOO0MDzjmlGlNtkDDCRXx0ELo3Jl5Rzz2NdBRqRdsttb4lN4iKN7VSne_bHYe2c48wQ-WdH88jF0O1s0TrjBlvznWnGhDxkMFSyylqTHNCK6wHYktuoRZjYAFRdvz3QtRkjYtJadkqYL6mx_v3A1MCpaQwjXb19qX/s320/20240102_194453.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Petes battalion advances up the middle. Each company has six 54mm figures, MG platoons an MG and crew. Each element activates on a card (you can see some), so both sides get to move their all stuff in a turn, but the exact sequence is randomised.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjz9Wqp4NeEq_h73nWkwDLVvLJCso658zwy00yvXsnKFF5HrXqQa27bkJfDF5bXIl5xawGjlw7rlsaCN-seqd9EqDtnxRepViYVyvE0jgHW9fb9BUt0H9vqjDJiVWu6Ct560nFAAy-if7f65DVngmyHoYiAs42ogc_awTSL9RXOosaiUnZ_etwLg9n7Sqwq/s3264/20240102_195928.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2448" data-original-width="3264" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjz9Wqp4NeEq_h73nWkwDLVvLJCso658zwy00yvXsnKFF5HrXqQa27bkJfDF5bXIl5xawGjlw7rlsaCN-seqd9EqDtnxRepViYVyvE0jgHW9fb9BUt0H9vqjDJiVWu6Ct560nFAAy-if7f65DVngmyHoYiAs42ogc_awTSL9RXOosaiUnZ_etwLg9n7Sqwq/s320/20240102_195928.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Rifle range is 12", and despite the mist, the US can see the Germans now.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmkvD3eWML3NeeV9RLL01zXUuk0HIkDuAApIFdYLkfjh2XS3KVccSNuJ7ejmDmXK65VKWGra1JvTV0a0wbvyGiQf8Vn8HUOtFGGmrpiPmkTaAfPJDiT1B4I0Yee4Q65GMkFk7kNbNuqUYG-5TNqk13T1g5kXmbxloM2lBM_eveY1y0gRrrbb7NUMtA6q5J/s3264/20240102_200604.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2448" data-original-width="3264" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmkvD3eWML3NeeV9RLL01zXUuk0HIkDuAApIFdYLkfjh2XS3KVccSNuJ7ejmDmXK65VKWGra1JvTV0a0wbvyGiQf8Vn8HUOtFGGmrpiPmkTaAfPJDiT1B4I0Yee4Q65GMkFk7kNbNuqUYG-5TNqk13T1g5kXmbxloM2lBM_eveY1y0gRrrbb7NUMtA6q5J/s320/20240102_200604.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Petes battalion from behind. The unit density is quite high, so my guys went right flanking through the trees to the north, even though it slowed them up.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFsmDStHnkxTUbCB2ajMlDI9iXtlxYuKpHl4WTzR7ZIrZhvkQ4VpIx8Ee5ZF4MzdCiVl9oMP1FTU4sjBQ7732jhqxqVIbIfGNKqIscPlYbjC-1oohmVW3GmLzt2Ii_Xzxw6_2MfxT2Ku6fIElbhI0toopCo3SrRSg_l_dMfqQRFcNc-a_jWJq1rUDtTQE9/s3264/20240102_203623.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2448" data-original-width="3264" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFsmDStHnkxTUbCB2ajMlDI9iXtlxYuKpHl4WTzR7ZIrZhvkQ4VpIx8Ee5ZF4MzdCiVl9oMP1FTU4sjBQ7732jhqxqVIbIfGNKqIscPlYbjC-1oohmVW3GmLzt2Ii_Xzxw6_2MfxT2Ku6fIElbhI0toopCo3SrRSg_l_dMfqQRFcNc-a_jWJq1rUDtTQE9/s320/20240102_203623.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The firefight starts! And figures go down. Caught in the open Petes leading company is mown down, but the remainder take cover and open fire, hitting some of the Americans. 'Casualties' are recoverable, to a degree, and the US showed amazing resilience as they kept bobbing back up again.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEit2wjgZ5OsI3Hy0oTRA7swJHtZiRIixc3Zldio8Tp04L1IAJpRcto-Prn7dUYVwn7JSXB_nXAc_XL90UiejcM2pYoFnsCK7motLHuiqgI6ooLJaSVWNiTIWZ79UfqPPNxeF6_gmdekVZncl5LyCogwRI3Scgv50OJMjLJKYuZMJkwa82TauLx9MUyTn4a3/s3264/20240102_204203.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2448" data-original-width="3264" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEit2wjgZ5OsI3Hy0oTRA7swJHtZiRIixc3Zldio8Tp04L1IAJpRcto-Prn7dUYVwn7JSXB_nXAc_XL90UiejcM2pYoFnsCK7motLHuiqgI6ooLJaSVWNiTIWZ79UfqPPNxeF6_gmdekVZncl5LyCogwRI3Scgv50OJMjLJKYuZMJkwa82TauLx9MUyTn4a3/s320/20240102_204203.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Here are my brave boys skirting along the tree line. These are mainly Britains Deetail figures. Very smart they are too.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieNl-3zZHfPSN-GLHJAGygUf8U_bN59IKWWGr75rBf4e8Md34Y5MhXmA2ClMGAbSZGf8iaX7sVDk7hyphenhyphen58zxJ_9WLafjJ6O5OgudqXv6I3QPHbv1Bc25WWs_WZyBxDn6o0kBimDYYcU5kGTZWasU2ptY8wVmlAufYyEW7-UID-I_63Fy-TdWthh35jKhNGF/s3264/20240102_204218.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2448" data-original-width="3264" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieNl-3zZHfPSN-GLHJAGygUf8U_bN59IKWWGr75rBf4e8Md34Y5MhXmA2ClMGAbSZGf8iaX7sVDk7hyphenhyphen58zxJ_9WLafjJ6O5OgudqXv6I3QPHbv1Bc25WWs_WZyBxDn6o0kBimDYYcU5kGTZWasU2ptY8wVmlAufYyEW7-UID-I_63Fy-TdWthh35jKhNGF/s320/20240102_204218.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">View from the US battery position ie not much at all apart from trees! A US reserve company can be seen taking up position along the treeline facing Marnach. Unfortunately for them, this area is right under our pre-planned artillery programme....</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMCzVPEK3s5bWQO3IDHDV5ANwdPNP0-0d1XV5Ykz2GtSohRrwRY115GF4mtazREk0DfP-7yngKy78PlMvXgNGWWwFNA0Q3NFk3cBEECTcd7R8IhddPbDpAo9Bz3Zo1J31SPZnuErEluX00KFgikC3ZdGLyTLqjZiGiVZxGsRIp1rubdRcb9zlk9v385Oeu/s3264/20240102_205905.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2448" data-original-width="3264" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMCzVPEK3s5bWQO3IDHDV5ANwdPNP0-0d1XV5Ykz2GtSohRrwRY115GF4mtazREk0DfP-7yngKy78PlMvXgNGWWwFNA0Q3NFk3cBEECTcd7R8IhddPbDpAo9Bz3Zo1J31SPZnuErEluX00KFgikC3ZdGLyTLqjZiGiVZxGsRIp1rubdRcb9zlk9v385Oeu/s320/20240102_205905.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">German small arms and artillery fire had by now knocked out the 57mm gun and half the US infantry, but they were still hanging on.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgorbaN46waq3B6iu54VVCMgx18F-eN05vYqwKRajtfJMIM9giISgzda5OBIrU4tiH7eoXZpUzP91uWI6lyWBo7bNnmbJaRlOGM_03mr6ooIiydu6QFpu7zk6okpVibA0YxhWXaAuuPnQP4z1xUTqN84Lftf6YtwFlVliGlE7xiOYoilxklR8vjEI9s_tIN/s3264/20240102_205949.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2448" data-original-width="3264" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgorbaN46waq3B6iu54VVCMgx18F-eN05vYqwKRajtfJMIM9giISgzda5OBIrU4tiH7eoXZpUzP91uWI6lyWBo7bNnmbJaRlOGM_03mr6ooIiydu6QFpu7zk6okpVibA0YxhWXaAuuPnQP4z1xUTqN84Lftf6YtwFlVliGlE7xiOYoilxklR8vjEI9s_tIN/s320/20240102_205949.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Down in the valley this magnificent MP figure was directing traffic, such as it was.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">We broke overnight at that point.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigCM3409020o4Ca6MzbR8jmw9W7kYilFFGUnrBuhpj8g0h9jMUvvnX3PhKBiLbpuo022FkWb_dOirCLMsEK50v0AK9m2maeSh6YrUGaPxn86HnfpQ0AyHtOZJuElszo7e37LjLHhQ6JBmnfxLERCT1-BfxHtjrrOgWo7dehvdJMl6ZzLlFgL3ixVgry-_A/s3264/20240103_194139.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2448" data-original-width="3264" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigCM3409020o4Ca6MzbR8jmw9W7kYilFFGUnrBuhpj8g0h9jMUvvnX3PhKBiLbpuo022FkWb_dOirCLMsEK50v0AK9m2maeSh6YrUGaPxn86HnfpQ0AyHtOZJuElszo7e37LjLHhQ6JBmnfxLERCT1-BfxHtjrrOgWo7dehvdJMl6ZzLlFgL3ixVgry-_A/s320/20240103_194139.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Next day the German recce battalion came on, and pushed in column of companies along the southern treeline. This was very timely as Pete but now had lost two complete rifle companies, so the reinforcements were very welcome.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvGbwJdUxw6UTynqVnYM3kkK8hmsrbVHwLomDANTzga1aOGhaP0_6KAXksi5v2q6RKjXxJP1rYOvCx6Qpwt4wPcCZOtnNPgmagWJOpn9le7AidWS6aW2Q4FUN5XJu48o9yaXEdok2K2tlKE6xCwL-VLxxAanj5r5KXQB4jcK9u7AFvFr8djHbZ1_n3eREV/s3264/20240103_200201.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2448" data-original-width="3264" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvGbwJdUxw6UTynqVnYM3kkK8hmsrbVHwLomDANTzga1aOGhaP0_6KAXksi5v2q6RKjXxJP1rYOvCx6Qpwt4wPcCZOtnNPgmagWJOpn9le7AidWS6aW2Q4FUN5XJu48o9yaXEdok2K2tlKE6xCwL-VLxxAanj5r5KXQB4jcK9u7AFvFr8djHbZ1_n3eREV/s320/20240103_200201.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">In an alarming development, the US very boldly brought their Sherman company in along road through the woods past the US artillery. This ran straight into a the German pre-planned barrage and the leading platoon was immobilised! What a disaster!! The road was now completely blocked, with the other tanks stuck behind.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigv-4FzZYybB1nYJAQltSwwdeSfcaxuR3bXF5VSa78ZivK9T2FYHUOOF0oJifYcR5z4HS0JyB2hOJF1xsBzAc05ddSPkE5OuWg1n3x2IlrZkXQ7glbCcixGQMp5BGh-FAV8Av1ZDH8Q-4IccLKraE3cawmPhISQgvn_AQVFGKidmmfTWWH7HjrQF2THao_/s3264/20240103_200852.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2448" data-original-width="3264" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigv-4FzZYybB1nYJAQltSwwdeSfcaxuR3bXF5VSa78ZivK9T2FYHUOOF0oJifYcR5z4HS0JyB2hOJF1xsBzAc05ddSPkE5OuWg1n3x2IlrZkXQ7glbCcixGQMp5BGh-FAV8Av1ZDH8Q-4IccLKraE3cawmPhISQgvn_AQVFGKidmmfTWWH7HjrQF2THao_/s320/20240103_200852.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">By now the German infantry were pushing into Marnach, and around the town to the north. I was going to leave Pete to mop up while my battalion went hell for leather for Clervaux. All my companies were functional although a couple had been hit by US artillery and taken some losses.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuiO3JknUFtnojF7uPHYWLg8CNf3JmzhYX99Eh8QkGZQ4VEs7mJUxBfQmIaswfBjNwMVON4BaiGcjXtJkUz8zrThB7zP4I95MzXW2RAXM7ekwgbZLtsIIgL0fMJ6bPDenA1SkUJEseIZAZo02hSCLWoLlxlrK1p76eHJXTmGjbazG6LgFN0oghm5A86hb3/s3264/20240103_201132.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2448" data-original-width="3264" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuiO3JknUFtnojF7uPHYWLg8CNf3JmzhYX99Eh8QkGZQ4VEs7mJUxBfQmIaswfBjNwMVON4BaiGcjXtJkUz8zrThB7zP4I95MzXW2RAXM7ekwgbZLtsIIgL0fMJ6bPDenA1SkUJEseIZAZo02hSCLWoLlxlrK1p76eHJXTmGjbazG6LgFN0oghm5A86hb3/s320/20240103_201132.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Down in the valley below Marnach, a US AAA battery limbered up and set off down the road towards the bridge at Clervaux (past the MP).</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-OLpybQoLjxzBdpQD1biPGc_tl66-A3mYgy8oWsV3VpSuzpalGKKHB9-BhbxlX0jLl2RCOUnDYsnJ8trotyWqVVklYR-78n6pCYKdlJjs35sOjaGLWkReRBQjflsVbctRHD2S7YUXeh_9t9zo5OXyoQySUmDkjLnIRaRAFok1zsl9AVqQhjtGxzXPLBKx/s3264/20240103_203655.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2448" data-original-width="3264" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-OLpybQoLjxzBdpQD1biPGc_tl66-A3mYgy8oWsV3VpSuzpalGKKHB9-BhbxlX0jLl2RCOUnDYsnJ8trotyWqVVklYR-78n6pCYKdlJjs35sOjaGLWkReRBQjflsVbctRHD2S7YUXeh_9t9zo5OXyoQySUmDkjLnIRaRAFok1zsl9AVqQhjtGxzXPLBKx/s320/20240103_203655.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Sadly they attempted to go cross country at one point and became bogged. My lead company charged down the slope, covered by the SFMG42 platoon on the ridge, and overran the gunners and transport in hand-hand combat. </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMdEVYhMMPTCjXry76vey1BbiNIMQfZMv2w4jWGhhbyv-l2udTDo8IlqMxPnsQPgjr_VX7rPZS9dq5Kf-IrqnCo5HyIAu5BsIdmopGImVD8QSpjUyq8r8tX1TSciwTxDr9zAtXWokj2axZIJZF8pqbYfk36JNG7swXfRxneF1gajdSrZeWfAz5Z0MVH4j8/s3264/20240103_204708.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2448" data-original-width="3264" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMdEVYhMMPTCjXry76vey1BbiNIMQfZMv2w4jWGhhbyv-l2udTDo8IlqMxPnsQPgjr_VX7rPZS9dq5Kf-IrqnCo5HyIAu5BsIdmopGImVD8QSpjUyq8r8tX1TSciwTxDr9zAtXWokj2axZIJZF8pqbYfk36JNG7swXfRxneF1gajdSrZeWfAz5Z0MVH4j8/s320/20240103_204708.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Pete now had a firm hold on Marnach and traded shots with the US infantry in the treeline. The US tankers were busy trying to shove the immobilised platoon out of the way while the Germans took potshots at them with panzerfausts (which all missed).</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">My FOO was finally in position to locate the US tanks and put in a call for SOS fire to our artillery battalion.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinSQ042u-2wlg2P1iOGtBln14P9hsi0bH0Q3XTDoM-DP6inq87oHzJbEGA6viX58nZoUaBAFodNMPbSPqgD0fV9iwJUXYBWcxYBF3fBLITi2QM7yC_pEb_P7S_ALyaubFtfnMzRseKy9zM5GkD8kXYhRQHDmCMR-1vrizDjLjFTkpe-HORh1I-eaDl2Hgt/s3264/20240103_205717.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2448" data-original-width="3264" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinSQ042u-2wlg2P1iOGtBln14P9hsi0bH0Q3XTDoM-DP6inq87oHzJbEGA6viX58nZoUaBAFodNMPbSPqgD0fV9iwJUXYBWcxYBF3fBLITi2QM7yC_pEb_P7S_ALyaubFtfnMzRseKy9zM5GkD8kXYhRQHDmCMR-1vrizDjLjFTkpe-HORh1I-eaDl2Hgt/s320/20240103_205717.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The second US Sherman platoon finally emerged form the woods, just as a devastating German artillery barrage landed. Evans rifle company and MMG platoon were decimated and both the leading US tank platoons were knocked out, just as the German recce battalion (just visible in the trees) prepared to assault them. What a disaster! That seemed like a good time to stop as the US weren't going to retake Marnach now.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzGeqo_A4nWcGy4qe_XXLz9p1xTOk5dTCaLH0iYjjZciUNKVpcdvNXnih_kRp-v91kD_LRy_yqIHJ-2dBvoexJScDruIUE-6hoYjFx5TDklc2MfT0clsrYFRnlS7WOlwUQg1DwlZH6QsRaXlEWDiRM01cjNMj5jhlsxYa7IMitvzLbAfoRgp7CqVsNdzud/s3264/20240103_205905.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2448" data-original-width="3264" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzGeqo_A4nWcGy4qe_XXLz9p1xTOk5dTCaLH0iYjjZciUNKVpcdvNXnih_kRp-v91kD_LRy_yqIHJ-2dBvoexJScDruIUE-6hoYjFx5TDklc2MfT0clsrYFRnlS7WOlwUQg1DwlZH6QsRaXlEWDiRM01cjNMj5jhlsxYa7IMitvzLbAfoRgp7CqVsNdzud/s320/20240103_205905.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Final view of the battle. The Germans are a way off assaulting Clervaux but have clearly taken Marnach, while the US reinforcements have taken a bloody nose.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">As Colonel King later reflected, they might have been better off just bringing the Shermans up along the road from Clervaux, rather than through the dense forest south of Marnach. Well, hindsight is a wonderful thing.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Another very exciting game, and with the low levels views both very atmospheric and also are far more realistic 'commanders view' of the battlefield. We just had to give sensible orders to our subunits without really knowing where they were or where they'd end up! Not much scope for micromanagement and all the better for it.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">One thing which might need looking at was the number of activation cards played each turn, there were 30+ elements to activate each turn, and that was a huge umpire load to manage with individual cards. I wonder if for a game of this size, it might not better better to play the cards on complete formations, or at least complete companies, rather than individual platoons. The Fistful of Lead system where players allocate their own cards might also work well.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><p><br /></p>Martin Rapierhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16788664847205341619noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2410063836503200299.post-18924415056204813822024-03-07T00:37:00.000-08:002024-03-07T00:37:10.970-08:0015mm Lesney Scammell recovery lorry<p> One of Tims generous donations was this old Lesney diecast model of a Scammell recovery lorry. I actually had one very similar in my 20mm collection, and it was just crying out to be painted up as a Corps asset.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGGJOhIfG-oNMz0kJr_WgjhN7TwV-ZGyfLxHkAnZ69D5basQVI9il2YESGjp_uz_fEiS7ku4Fv5rxTWJ1kWyRIL6PTIYZ6H6cgTokr6BE8OUiT7_VR1p0aP1-MBG-oE1Q8Jc3Lno4DtDOV_kM0jRWMKWkVAkoGL0l49u_F9Xh6nyxXyBbzgd74Fpt5-8sv/s3264/20230915_132812.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2448" data-original-width="3264" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGGJOhIfG-oNMz0kJr_WgjhN7TwV-ZGyfLxHkAnZ69D5basQVI9il2YESGjp_uz_fEiS7ku4Fv5rxTWJ1kWyRIL6PTIYZ6H6cgTokr6BE8OUiT7_VR1p0aP1-MBG-oE1Q8Jc3Lno4DtDOV_kM0jRWMKWkVAkoGL0l49u_F9Xh6nyxXyBbzgd74Fpt5-8sv/s320/20230915_132812.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">It is a diecast model, so no assembly required. The original is supplied in bronze green, but I just glued the wheels in position and undercoated it dark grey. The only wear and tear is that part of the hook has come off, but it isn't really noticeable.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigcXVytaHsOqGdfFhonGBNL-Q2Fkm0eC95p5YvfWv411bIHPEOcu8vp1YVqsB8Dk5YFGr7m_YLEY6u6lnuywrWQa6-xYgeZdNIEzmqXaL6o2Qcu3y6xyo43x39uHI0j_CrBhB7zCspesfCv3kdnG6pPm0vFUJyKonRpEwQE2h8gPGgka9u8cCwHAFBow-d/s3264/20230915_132821.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2448" data-original-width="3264" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigcXVytaHsOqGdfFhonGBNL-Q2Fkm0eC95p5YvfWv411bIHPEOcu8vp1YVqsB8Dk5YFGr7m_YLEY6u6lnuywrWQa6-xYgeZdNIEzmqXaL6o2Qcu3y6xyo43x39uHI0j_CrBhB7zCspesfCv3kdnG6pPm0vFUJyKonRpEwQE2h8gPGgka9u8cCwHAFBow-d/s320/20230915_132821.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">It is a really nice model, and pretty much bang on for 15mm. </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhghkl6-gdlxN2k1hRsW58HEo6YqQH6rEQzF7ZUp4Gv1E9PpJExO_psqGAuNLacNg-snDznMMNJV-4MpN4G76Gw0IOzNTzyrT_U831jucz62ONYX0TWEzsvsX7kgrXGOG2GVVpiQFbxcint4TvK55Y8w-q2V0S0LXnrQJ9tFUrUPebFKspQYxrSdSAzXaLu/s3264/20230915_132827.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2448" data-original-width="3264" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhghkl6-gdlxN2k1hRsW58HEo6YqQH6rEQzF7ZUp4Gv1E9PpJExO_psqGAuNLacNg-snDznMMNJV-4MpN4G76Gw0IOzNTzyrT_U831jucz62ONYX0TWEzsvsX7kgrXGOG2GVVpiQFbxcint4TvK55Y8w-q2V0S0LXnrQJ9tFUrUPebFKspQYxrSdSAzXaLu/s320/20230915_132827.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Plenty of nice raised detail to take a drybrush.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgNswT3qDo4qgTweeYc0h16WsyZmGyc93TRHa7wUP1uLrR8amoi8ocNfGxqDcuapaiKYXs51rHLvtTxRSkl_7k520NVBnVSPlsmVAG0zbxD9iZrVl6nn2K2EJ7oGH1m7W1S5_ZkPbrMtaoLmT_3IEKnWeYr42x0FfJA_ZGRXaCVR88Q3DRw5UrCGFPvA_Y/s3264/20230915_132833.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2448" data-original-width="3264" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgNswT3qDo4qgTweeYc0h16WsyZmGyc93TRHa7wUP1uLrR8amoi8ocNfGxqDcuapaiKYXs51rHLvtTxRSkl_7k520NVBnVSPlsmVAG0zbxD9iZrVl6nn2K2EJ7oGH1m7W1S5_ZkPbrMtaoLmT_3IEKnWeYr42x0FfJA_ZGRXaCVR88Q3DRw5UrCGFPvA_Y/s320/20230915_132833.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">You can see the broken hook from this angle.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Being a complete cheapskate, I've done this in SCC2 Camo Brown with black disruptive camo. This will then be good for most of the war from about 1941 onwards, and in particular, it can pass muster for the desert without me having to do one in sand camo as well. Both 'light mud' and 'sand pink' were rather darker than Light Stone, so this will do. There is a photo of a Scammell in exactly this scheme driving into Tripoli.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I used to do all my NWE softskins in SCC2, generally with Mickey Mouse camo or whatever, not sure why I switched to plain green. Anyway, having hit on the SCC2 solution, I'll repaint some of my other vehicles brown to make them a bit more flexible for different theatres. Even 6pdrs were still in SCC2 in Normandy, so I may (re) do some brown guns as well.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><p><br /></p>Martin Rapierhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16788664847205341619noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2410063836503200299.post-4530477396014897522024-03-04T23:43:00.000-08:002024-03-04T23:43:12.480-08:00Panzerblitz with Grid Based WW2 - Buchach 1944<p> After some glowing reviews from fellow blogger <a href="https://soundofficerscall.blogspot.com/">https://soundofficerscall.blogspot.com/</a>, I was minded to give these Grid Based WW2 rules a go: <a href="https://gridbasedwargaming.blogspot.com/p/ww2-rules.html">https://gridbasedwargaming.blogspot.com/p/ww2-rules.html</a> They are intended to give something of a Panzerblitz type experience, albeit with much bigger squares/hexes and company sized elements.</p><p>I wanted to try the rules as written ('RAW') before fiddling around with them, and regular readers may recall I had an unhappy encounter with trying to modernise the old Panzerblitz 'Buchach' scenario. Although I enjoyed doing the research, in the end the PB countermix was so broken I couldn't be bothered to play the game.</p><p>Anyway, I thought the rules above might give my a chance of replicate that joyous PB 'chess with tanks' feel, so I dug out Buchach again to give it a go.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjVcrzIM8qAYOKvjNq9egEaLibKHbKdg0FHlIsg4zYm6eCZkVc8dw1ITv-qL3op30QD3kRm-8hUVjn8ZhEcZWvXKWCvhDBR2nBRIEbVpEHuvjX6i2bqgLGmfs4E3i-MaGFvhpsqjzijYrNT5-t1he6yj8ix6RXazzrvbxrD_syyFGAKcC-VcrQYt_4qRbJ/s3264/20240220_102852.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2448" data-original-width="3264" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjVcrzIM8qAYOKvjNq9egEaLibKHbKdg0FHlIsg4zYm6eCZkVc8dw1ITv-qL3op30QD3kRm-8hUVjn8ZhEcZWvXKWCvhDBR2nBRIEbVpEHuvjX6i2bqgLGmfs4E3i-MaGFvhpsqjzijYrNT5-t1he6yj8ix6RXazzrvbxrD_syyFGAKcC-VcrQYt_4qRbJ/s320/20240220_102852.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">An approximation of the PL setup, with boards 2,1 and 3, boards 1 and 3 being inverted. To convert the PL boards (250m hexes and roughly 8.5km x 7.5km), I went with 1km hexes, so each represented 4x4 original PB hexes. Given the constraints of my Hexon boards, I ended with a 9x8 battlefield, each PB board being 9x3 (or 9x2 in places) and a lot of the terrain 'in hex', including the numerous gulleys, such an important feature of the original PB boards.</div><div><br /></div>The scenario covers the relief of Hubes 1st Panzer Army in April 1944, so I used my snow boards. I was able to replicate fairly well the original PB layout, although I had to compromise seriously on the location of woods and ended up amalgamating various features together. As PB hills cost a lot of MP to ascend/descend, I was going to treat them as terrain features. The RAW have very, very serious restrictions on what units can enter close terrain, woods and towns being offlimits to almost anything on wheels or tracks (I guess based on Neil Thomas?) , which made the road network crucial, and there was no mention of gullies at all, so I made something up for those (terrain feature, units can only see in/out one hex at ground level, units may move along them as terrain, and enter impassable terrain, max one unit in gully).<div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6dQ7hYWfIQY4rdWMZ8Khg5pU8ySjRKhtHHHvRLF_3vch1kD3ehRMjdF1qGo1TpdpN5GKWHMc_HXIAkqiwJIEzJpGuvv0fqYDBJWEMT0WgryLtkNsGc1e5C7iQ69c_yNpH1gxyoWfVx2H3l7_-VV_pO0urPOxWVta4kSRHMS0BNjd2yeViNQu8OS7S58ZL/s3264/20240220_102901.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3264" data-original-width="2448" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6dQ7hYWfIQY4rdWMZ8Khg5pU8ySjRKhtHHHvRLF_3vch1kD3ehRMjdF1qGo1TpdpN5GKWHMc_HXIAkqiwJIEzJpGuvv0fqYDBJWEMT0WgryLtkNsGc1e5C7iQ69c_yNpH1gxyoWfVx2H3l7_-VV_pO0urPOxWVta4kSRHMS0BNjd2yeViNQu8OS7S58ZL/s320/20240220_102901.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I decided to use the original scenario OB, which is a ludicrous tankfest for the Germans. Four companies each of Panthers and Pz IV, a company of Stugs, three Mech Infantry companies and a company each of heavy mortars and artillery. Irl they had nothing like this, just two companies each of Pz IV and Stugs, and two motorised infantry battalions.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The Russians have a Guards Mechanised Brigade. Three motorised battalions, a T34/85 Regiment plus a company each of AT guns, 120mm mortars and 76.2mm guns. I gave the Guards only two 'companies' per battalion as in PB a Guards Rifle Company has two thirds the attack and defence strength of a (combined) German rifle company, but I did give them the Regimental SMG company, so they had seven infantry companies.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirCvnYZlU0ElgkhzShXKSg7K2e0srGPKdFHS2UHeuLPu7c4Ap8WJRBBwbJ1-oVpsc86rDzv-dXQoEvnBXSN_ZvqNMAaI6HP9K_Tb7xvSodzDDXBLtXkVXLxd3d30BjE3E5Bdd8Z2CCPISrYwRvgdaysMD1QCxmnsMkzLPEhztKw4wB9BBizU5yZpSFmWdp/s3264/20240220_103958.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2448" data-original-width="3264" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirCvnYZlU0ElgkhzShXKSg7K2e0srGPKdFHS2UHeuLPu7c4Ap8WJRBBwbJ1-oVpsc86rDzv-dXQoEvnBXSN_ZvqNMAaI6HP9K_Tb7xvSodzDDXBLtXkVXLxd3d30BjE3E5Bdd8Z2CCPISrYwRvgdaysMD1QCxmnsMkzLPEhztKw4wB9BBizU5yZpSFmWdp/s320/20240220_103958.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The Russians can only set up on 'Board 1' ie the central three hex column. They have to prevent he Germans clearing a corridor across the table in without any adjacent Russian units. Setting up the Russians forced me to read the terrain rules properly, and I realised that the wooded and marshy 'Board 1' was basically a no go area for the entire brigade as only leg infantry could end their move in a town or wood... Some rapid adjustments were required.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I adopted the Spearhead convention that motorised infantry could dump their trucks, so suddenly all the infantry were on foot. I also ruled that a motorised unit on a road could could be in a forbidden hex, but only one, and they wouldn't get any cover benefit. That let me deploy the AT guns and 120mm mortars in the towns, with dismounted infantry in support, and the armoured recce company in the wood at the far north (on the road). That looks a bit more like PB. </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivHQSGR_oTTvr8b8_eGoRRK3ya_0fpSqGFe1RZ0RPlvWfmVFJ8XiGDJCLWQFTGX9vzmhBvX_G-i1Ksz4F41RSkXSoZZb1PkMbDIUObRIYCBd4tTC5ZtHfQtdBfUcdtzFZeRDYd71fCiwNfQA0admTGZpILynzz2mr2cHXRg2NTm2OXY_lmhRXz6AH2pl8p/s3264/20240220_104006.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3264" data-original-width="2448" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivHQSGR_oTTvr8b8_eGoRRK3ya_0fpSqGFe1RZ0RPlvWfmVFJ8XiGDJCLWQFTGX9vzmhBvX_G-i1Ksz4F41RSkXSoZZb1PkMbDIUObRIYCBd4tTC5ZtHfQtdBfUcdtzFZeRDYd71fCiwNfQA0admTGZpILynzz2mr2cHXRg2NTm2OXY_lmhRXz6AH2pl8p/s320/20240220_104006.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Further south I ended up doing much the same thing. Infantry in the woods, one T34 company on the southern road junction, and another in reserve near the 76mm guns (on the road).</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I also realised that the extensive woods in this sector essentially presented a huge anti-tank barrier to vehicular movement. In the original PB, many woods are impassable to vehicles, but there are often devious routes to filter through. Hmm, lets see how that pans out, but looks like the Germans only have one viable route here, down the road through the woods. Perhaps I should have put the village of Adski back on in that gulley to the south, and take the wood off the the hill hex (in the original game it is only a passable two hex wood).</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhh6PPtpxrce4qAF08RjKAEG7Kyj2vLe6GP2h84z4yXfnfr_3OAeBtLqiZ27zBc4CqNv6D9d6-u_bK49s6_a0a7JcjrYdiiw11VIbliaz2EjJBeorhQl4YNcKaV8v2utTUaVrzpBrvYbCBbQShvEMXIZXJSCdye_VSkksDQoNz2t5dP-lNFlxKPalR76iae/s3264/20240220_104932.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3264" data-original-width="2448" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhh6PPtpxrce4qAF08RjKAEG7Kyj2vLe6GP2h84z4yXfnfr_3OAeBtLqiZ27zBc4CqNv6D9d6-u_bK49s6_a0a7JcjrYdiiw11VIbliaz2EjJBeorhQl4YNcKaV8v2utTUaVrzpBrvYbCBbQShvEMXIZXJSCdye_VSkksDQoNz2t5dP-lNFlxKPalR76iae/s320/20240220_104932.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Having made a decent terrain appreciation for the Russians, I brought the Germans on in the centre. Mechanised units can move a max of two, including on roads. This is far slower than in PB, where a Pz IV on roads would cover 16 hexes, ie a move of 4, although it would only do 2 hexes cross country.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I led with the Panthers (classed as 'Heavy Tanks') and brought on the Mech Infantry in support. The stacking limit of two units in open hexes, otherwise seems a bit light to me. On future turns I went with a stacking limit of three in the open, two in terrain features, and one using roads or gullies (I like the restricted stacking in terrain, it represents well all the difficult terrain on the PB boards). </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiK1OO3xJ7qxYmTJ4iVG_lcfk_yRJpDxhQI-pniWtwCzW31HDXSzN2HpkbQEISNkKcg-tnV1tZcpnrkVjsAD4_mTP2oiFUEsZIKhi0RHnd-RM2WD_vt1sZVpnlSRCQ9ueeg_KbCR_McPPOXek_n6GvKnxiITZKWbqE1zRxi1XNZmHX2yI30mosu-jn6AZU0/s3264/20240220_104943.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2448" data-original-width="3264" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiK1OO3xJ7qxYmTJ4iVG_lcfk_yRJpDxhQI-pniWtwCzW31HDXSzN2HpkbQEISNkKcg-tnV1tZcpnrkVjsAD4_mTP2oiFUEsZIKhi0RHnd-RM2WD_vt1sZVpnlSRCQ9ueeg_KbCR_McPPOXek_n6GvKnxiITZKWbqE1zRxi1XNZmHX2yI30mosu-jn6AZU0/s320/20240220_104943.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The Russians checked their LOS to meet the threat in the centre. The Germans only really have two viable routes across the table given the wooded terrain, one via the road in the centre and one via the road in the north. I had very cleverly positioned the road exit so it was impossible for mech units to exit the woods, so I moved the road across one hex.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The finlly also read the rules on indirect fire, and noticed that only infantry and recce can call IF, and only from units infantry within two hexes of the spotter. Ooops. Well, I'm certainly finding a lot out. I actually rather like that rule, and again, it is very in keeping with PB Observation Posts.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>The Russians hastily re-deploy their mortars into the gully and swap the recce and AT gun companies, so the recce can call fire on the northern flank.</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-SnvhP7JMES-cRE5X-fInxJqv_WGfZcGrlnukTMdU9iIxfndwUAG8Fn9WmFlLNoBZ7kVeyRvAhabrE2-U92Oe1XB4A2GxXJMaUnpkZCtG1ysNOZZ0NopT4SO-sXQwZR0bE3ezoYaMEY4rg_4O1KBJh8wyNP1fCLHCWRF7UHEcEJ_aAzphUk-8SyMedo2p/s3264/20240220_105342.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3264" data-original-width="2448" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-SnvhP7JMES-cRE5X-fInxJqv_WGfZcGrlnukTMdU9iIxfndwUAG8Fn9WmFlLNoBZ7kVeyRvAhabrE2-U92Oe1XB4A2GxXJMaUnpkZCtG1ysNOZZ0NopT4SO-sXQwZR0bE3ezoYaMEY4rg_4O1KBJh8wyNP1fCLHCWRF7UHEcEJ_aAzphUk-8SyMedo2p/s320/20240220_105342.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The Germans swarm the defences in the centre with waves of Panthers. The Panzergrenadiers hang back a bit, and two companies of Pz IV occupy the hill in the north. I completely forgot that movement uphill should be restricted to one hex. There is another PG company down in the gully below.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2kEeyFEVP3W-gsoSfUdWJlxd0ZWHnX_hvbsfRWNOuHoQ0s7DlHyxrkPgvOZ3aLB-7gQsULM_sdyN0R66lzbF0JJzfs3_xoHGf1_DqsMshtXyws2aIZK66q08i3SivNs0-ulYvU-gxYSnHdxSLkU1Got1qxECRWN7v1kwXcRrwIyjMQBiKqTNTpJD1hmnL/s3264/20240220_105359.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3264" data-original-width="2448" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2kEeyFEVP3W-gsoSfUdWJlxd0ZWHnX_hvbsfRWNOuHoQ0s7DlHyxrkPgvOZ3aLB-7gQsULM_sdyN0R66lzbF0JJzfs3_xoHGf1_DqsMshtXyws2aIZK66q08i3SivNs0-ulYvU-gxYSnHdxSLkU1Got1qxECRWN7v1kwXcRrwIyjMQBiKqTNTpJD1hmnL/s320/20240220_105359.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The Pz IVs on the hill can now see the Russians in the town and blaze away with impunity. Hmm, not sure what I think about that.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjR-OC0exGgrwoDEEkkQwRB2CWlgdU1jEmG4LoploK199bD7ppl4fB_HaY0NfqkqkcmLIYg5opnvhRYjb1V9zSO63k-I1D25PBpXl2RQsvbpCvTnznO44cekHcrQBi1K0EW0IIMaW2D4T40C3IvbHAW6nn1TWl-WegXpQxKt66V0hR2TjxWpbS9IuvNbu-3/s3264/20240220_110640.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2448" data-original-width="3264" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjR-OC0exGgrwoDEEkkQwRB2CWlgdU1jEmG4LoploK199bD7ppl4fB_HaY0NfqkqkcmLIYg5opnvhRYjb1V9zSO63k-I1D25PBpXl2RQsvbpCvTnznO44cekHcrQBi1K0EW0IIMaW2D4T40C3IvbHAW6nn1TWl-WegXpQxKt66V0hR2TjxWpbS9IuvNbu-3/s320/20240220_110640.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Back in the centre ferocious fighting breaks out. One Panther company is knocked out (leaving a burning wreck marker, I like that - it blocks LOS and counts towards stacking). The Russians suffer brutally in return, two Guards Rifle companies disrupted and the T34s knocked out. Sheer weight of fire, even though the German tanks can only hit the Guards on a 6.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgr3woVEqtd_4L9u3bbQEsNcDs9GxmdBOQDoYdkf74777lk-wBmzcTpr2ktnPzFtC8OygkErVjW2ne8WSg-DpsmzgJ7gaemVo0EMt8QZ61P0mphfMPZwxPT5Xev-Q2UL5K8WreyfwbRQxvY24gZORiIdvVoTbvve89slcoPg_v9GUHWABfU_qGbnvs9vSI/s3264/20240220_111649.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3264" data-original-width="2448" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgr3woVEqtd_4L9u3bbQEsNcDs9GxmdBOQDoYdkf74777lk-wBmzcTpr2ktnPzFtC8OygkErVjW2ne8WSg-DpsmzgJ7gaemVo0EMt8QZ61P0mphfMPZwxPT5Xev-Q2UL5K8WreyfwbRQxvY24gZORiIdvVoTbvve89slcoPg_v9GUHWABfU_qGbnvs9vSI/s320/20240220_111649.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Apologies for the appalling light in this photo. I didn't read the rallying rules properly, units can't rally adjacent to the enemy. The Guards stand and shoot, and are obliterated by German artillery and mortar fire, and the German ground units follow up. I have unilaterally decided that three units can stack in open ground, and two in difficult terrain. That just seems to work better (in PB, you can fit no less than 16 companies in an open 1km hex, so only allowing two seems a bit mean).</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I have also just realised that the knocked out T34s block the only road through the woods.... hmm, need to have a think about that too. I think Panzer Leader had some mechanism for removing wrecks. At the moment the Russians could win the scenario by just parking both their tanks on the only two road routes and blowing them up.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4dS7qVoviSGP0jKU_RxZNgbS4zrJ45QrvGmbWsWjR-uptg67XnWq6K1KnWF1uhkq_h4T7UQVGT4mK9jt8eJHvtYM98YuBYQuINFd-zLFAf1S1GmERkYFzFejR5k8id4EJQw1GYszhgmLAbr0tzwe0AJywRUq466LpZen1pZcqJ0NzUePwqrRhHSst6Igt/s3264/20240220_112210.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2448" data-original-width="3264" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4dS7qVoviSGP0jKU_RxZNgbS4zrJ45QrvGmbWsWjR-uptg67XnWq6K1KnWF1uhkq_h4T7UQVGT4mK9jt8eJHvtYM98YuBYQuINFd-zLFAf1S1GmERkYFzFejR5k8id4EJQw1GYszhgmLAbr0tzwe0AJywRUq466LpZen1pZcqJ0NzUePwqrRhHSst6Igt/s320/20240220_112210.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The German lead elements are disrupted, but not enough Russian fire to destroy anything. The Russians can't afford many more losses so start to look for their end line - they need to form a line across the table. The difficult terrain will really handicap the German advance.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMaVR89OtcaidEbokjxACZY9Cx3yMDsaoKfJ9RAzg9iFN1vqY7iLvQSkM9gqK01Y47vubjvYoMKzqpM1PTZSOHMJSr1RXrTCT4vNZ8sAQ8AAvgQvbzey5uRotUVIqmhKNOcc3U2asX-5OXjEfKXcHDql2r6WNbT-6hK1dBk16j4Yd4N1n1BOTOKVNYc9e5/s3264/20240220_112943.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3264" data-original-width="2448" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMaVR89OtcaidEbokjxACZY9Cx3yMDsaoKfJ9RAzg9iFN1vqY7iLvQSkM9gqK01Y47vubjvYoMKzqpM1PTZSOHMJSr1RXrTCT4vNZ8sAQ8AAvgQvbzey5uRotUVIqmhKNOcc3U2asX-5OXjEfKXcHDql2r6WNbT-6hK1dBk16j4Yd4N1n1BOTOKVNYc9e5/s320/20240220_112943.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The remaining Russians fan out into various bits of cover, largely shielded from the Panzers by all the impassable woods. I'm letting units use gullies to deploy in (max one per hex) in otherwise impassable terrain, as the original game does.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZn4WY8tuD0yyJwHLIK6X_66biJWwGcEXGW1rs_uphAcaLDT7e_wqkjkOhonXuWyxIdJ_TSELe-c8T6gRD2u4CODifRXeNq04H6znpTBVhzD8tC6CjL9OZLuGMf-iMhH_CeuWfZmG1FWGUo0Uj8llrGoiw_0iJ4BYl5ByAMIC3-yriW-q9hhN8unO0jfCL/s3264/20240220_113255.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3264" data-original-width="2448" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZn4WY8tuD0yyJwHLIK6X_66biJWwGcEXGW1rs_uphAcaLDT7e_wqkjkOhonXuWyxIdJ_TSELe-c8T6gRD2u4CODifRXeNq04H6znpTBVhzD8tC6CjL9OZLuGMf-iMhH_CeuWfZmG1FWGUo0Uj8llrGoiw_0iJ4BYl5ByAMIC3-yriW-q9hhN8unO0jfCL/s320/20240220_113255.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">There is only one viable route for the German now, along the winding road through the marshes, so a panzer column sets off northeast. The rest of the Germans manouvre to keep the Russians busy.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgzA_kAQoYbERvGSIKOx1CLD-twywgLM0k6bzFK0fu82ufkpUO8_tkeJ3wscnMSVHD_N3q_UGkaq0iHUOelVOPHe8J5G-usdgqgtCBAvnkvlalh2BsFu7ZNfk9blcSCM1HpFEKtcNX3cX3D9_AX0Q-cunb6QcmDX0orDl2LjJUSNJiGmoSXvwyeBge54CF/s3264/20240220_113301.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3264" data-original-width="2448" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgzA_kAQoYbERvGSIKOx1CLD-twywgLM0k6bzFK0fu82ufkpUO8_tkeJ3wscnMSVHD_N3q_UGkaq0iHUOelVOPHe8J5G-usdgqgtCBAvnkvlalh2BsFu7ZNfk9blcSCM1HpFEKtcNX3cX3D9_AX0Q-cunb6QcmDX0orDl2LjJUSNJiGmoSXvwyeBge54CF/s320/20240220_113301.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">A bit of a logjam at the entrance to the marshes. I'm letting three units stack in the road/gully hex, otherwise it is just one unit per road hex. I'm completely ignoring the restriction on tanks etc not being able to end their moves in dense terrain, it just doesn't make any sense.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglwQZIK2r5r_NlKQz5DcqpyYU6INrDUpXeXSbZ2rrXbPd4Mo0UskB5JDwoBIW6jlJCU92RbSrHtQCJuPjg7StgSuMUw0IixBnk7ENp6YuqAeYCVeyQwqf5PIhCASWRlrEjR83SBmnWtn4x-nJRiTuWGFcgQF5s0iFzgthAgxbBTZzZ6m3_05NVSGCDm2qQ/s3264/20240220_113735.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3264" data-original-width="2448" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglwQZIK2r5r_NlKQz5DcqpyYU6INrDUpXeXSbZ2rrXbPd4Mo0UskB5JDwoBIW6jlJCU92RbSrHtQCJuPjg7StgSuMUw0IixBnk7ENp6YuqAeYCVeyQwqf5PIhCASWRlrEjR83SBmnWtn4x-nJRiTuWGFcgQF5s0iFzgthAgxbBTZzZ6m3_05NVSGCDm2qQ/s320/20240220_113735.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The Russians have formed a viable line of units and ZOCs extending across the entire table now.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKx4y-L-d75q46j3astwkc3HVtI5aibhyjaEo4O8_hwC9TMF5VZFdPjZzMpGhLDCLzLyew_j-Vbk4oZPT88y8yw1yEtP4PKjMJ50XnTmJfVB9iv_d-Dm8l7-QSuBhQ53jNVwjCdlDvvObgscrFOxitp1SW38ZWdSPTdTVuwUOlnrYyeXyDify1zSdA7r8k/s3264/20240220_114512.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3264" data-original-width="2448" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKx4y-L-d75q46j3astwkc3HVtI5aibhyjaEo4O8_hwC9TMF5VZFdPjZzMpGhLDCLzLyew_j-Vbk4oZPT88y8yw1yEtP4PKjMJ50XnTmJfVB9iv_d-Dm8l7-QSuBhQ53jNVwjCdlDvvObgscrFOxitp1SW38ZWdSPTdTVuwUOlnrYyeXyDify1zSdA7r8k/s320/20240220_114512.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The lead Germans have just emerged from the woods in the far north. I think I need to bump up the movement rates, in PB it was those rapid tactical moves which really opened the game up. That is particularly the case given the brutal stacking limits and terrain restrictions.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5Tmkq25aXEtewTCy-J488Wh2IwSoHXtSsUo1KLWrMry8Yi4ExszwMKBBC8Sx6Y3wd7Uxq7ErUYcf3ed2YrtQDhDP3b74ZUN-1jRVvV83qY3nmbMW5wqDv_sEwdAyYqdPZpjbN1VwYjJbdr90nYTp9l8yA-3SR4HzFT-gqY6-sOmXlEPJIlW2yPi6nbN5N/s3264/20240220_114850.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2448" data-original-width="3264" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5Tmkq25aXEtewTCy-J488Wh2IwSoHXtSsUo1KLWrMry8Yi4ExszwMKBBC8Sx6Y3wd7Uxq7ErUYcf3ed2YrtQDhDP3b74ZUN-1jRVvV83qY3nmbMW5wqDv_sEwdAyYqdPZpjbN1VwYjJbdr90nYTp9l8yA-3SR4HzFT-gqY6-sOmXlEPJIlW2yPi6nbN5N/s320/20240220_114850.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">To give the Germans a chance, I'm letting units on a road move into a wreck (on a road) as if it was difficult terrain. It slows them up but isn't completely impassable.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEju-fHqiKuctcqttrLVZCyQXyv9JRjgk-7K3ceKCgIKDoFZy-Rdboht_rPRae8YmHVOHEIDTAe15hyphenhyphen2P-TYRNkhOch42DF3DQTtmUDUOhNJ0BZc6xkwzXdvwhvNVUbRV3D9Rx2CCVTEV5E-TdyG5ulalfOn9ovs1YknEoJwQ9RgXkyjOpwPERKldr4M1W87/s3264/20240220_114903.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2448" data-original-width="3264" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEju-fHqiKuctcqttrLVZCyQXyv9JRjgk-7K3ceKCgIKDoFZy-Rdboht_rPRae8YmHVOHEIDTAe15hyphenhyphen2P-TYRNkhOch42DF3DQTtmUDUOhNJ0BZc6xkwzXdvwhvNVUbRV3D9Rx2CCVTEV5E-TdyG5ulalfOn9ovs1YknEoJwQ9RgXkyjOpwPERKldr4M1W87/s320/20240220_114903.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The Germans run out of time to force a gap, and the nearest panzer is completely blocked by the 'impassable' woods. I need to/ have a serious think about the terrain model, in PB there ARE impassable woods sections, but equally there are usually routes to filter around them, slowly.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqo7fnxQJ1n3tsC_QyGQ6FnqGBEDJWUC3mzxqe2fewpUlfHhn62DTeEBLBRxnIeDVb6LkMrAYHTYEaJFXLRPtEF2xtN5sV5oO4K5cruP2J9oNQBgqh_zom5ENOXtgmYqfYTLMZC4jmdHJ2ecQbyEJo_B4kMdj2JfWXJ-rwWQ19n6tIXn1aXTx91-8RQf3z/s3264/20240220_115024.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3264" data-original-width="2448" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqo7fnxQJ1n3tsC_QyGQ6FnqGBEDJWUC3mzxqe2fewpUlfHhn62DTeEBLBRxnIeDVb6LkMrAYHTYEaJFXLRPtEF2xtN5sV5oO4K5cruP2J9oNQBgqh_zom5ENOXtgmYqfYTLMZC4jmdHJ2ecQbyEJo_B4kMdj2JfWXJ-rwWQ19n6tIXn1aXTx91-8RQf3z/s320/20240220_115024.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">At game end the Russians have taken a bit of a beating, losing four rifle companies, and a company each of T34s and AT guns, while the Germans just lost one Panther company. tbh, that is actually very similar to playing it with PB - the Germans often lost very little but struggled to open and maintain a corridor, as the only viable routes were in the extreme north and south (classic 'hug that table edge' stuff).</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">OK, that was a very useful play through, nothing like playing the game to realise you've missed lots of nuances in the rules. It actually worked very well indeed, and certainly had a Panzerblitz 'feel' to it. The things I need to think about are:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Terrain model: how to map the very granular PB terrain onto coarse 1km hexes.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Stacking limits: again, related to the terrain model. I'm thinking three in open, two in restricted terrain and allow one unit to enter 'impassable' terrain.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Spotting: I'm minded to go back to the original PB spotting</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Movement rates: I'm thinking tracked vehicles on roads should get a 1 hex bonus and wheeled a 2 hex bonus, more like Spearhead. Possibly even +2 and +3. With units only allowed one per road hex that will still limit road movement. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Anyway, a successful playtest which I really enjoyed, and plenty of room for thought. For some reason this has really caught my imagination, so it looks like One Hour WW2 will be taken a back seat for while. I often go off on little fads like this, until I get bored. It is rather like programming, once I've cracked the problem, I immediately lose interest. Good job my armies are largely rules agnostic. They have to cope with Mr Magpie here. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><p><br /></p></div>Martin Rapierhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16788664847205341619noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2410063836503200299.post-69647921974681954302024-03-01T23:36:00.000-08:002024-03-01T23:36:25.153-08:00Origins of WW1<p> Another trip to Origins of WW1. I was Britain, Tim Germany, Russell France, John Austria-Hungary and Pete was Russia. This was an unpublished Jim Dunnigan game covering diplomatic actions in the lead up to WW1. Its better known successor was Origins of WW2, which uses similar mechanisms but is more complex. Russell has converted it to Powerpoint format so we can play it remotely. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiziBVlctdcLUNyVtc9TEGL-fLzbmzN7tZmvJBrMi1Im6QD8YKGduwRhE-s0PpVQ8W9iihNl50rZXOIKJny6a3njzn27TbqfdvRkU0MdWlDRNiUlewoI3NRJefnFT1eezzMMxb7ZunUkPxePYL0AJZ66T3nIbq_URduAiujgbGU5o44gwUax-1RXZXSKiIY/s3264/20231212_193148.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2448" data-original-width="3264" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiziBVlctdcLUNyVtc9TEGL-fLzbmzN7tZmvJBrMi1Im6QD8YKGduwRhE-s0PpVQ8W9iihNl50rZXOIKJny6a3njzn27TbqfdvRkU0MdWlDRNiUlewoI3NRJefnFT1eezzMMxb7ZunUkPxePYL0AJZ66T3nIbq_URduAiujgbGU5o44gwUax-1RXZXSKiIY/s320/20231212_193148.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Basically each major powere has a number of Diplomatic Points they can play each turn on other territories (printed next to the country name, so I had 14 points a turn). You need 10 points or more to gain a Treaty with the target territory, and you can also make one diplomatic 'attack' a turn to reduce/remove another players diplomatic points in an area using a CRT which features a lot of Exchange results. For example, if someone has 12 DP in an area, and you attack with three DP at 1:4 and roll an Ex, you've unmade the Treaty in that area as the Ex removes 3DP. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">All very simple. The mind bending part is the asymmetric victory conditions. Each country gets different VPs for treaties with different areas, some countries get extra VPs for exclusive Treaty Rights in an area (so they have to kick everyone else out) and some countries have special objectives like denying Germany or Britain any Treaty rights at all, or in Britains case, stopping any other power getting more than 11 VP (in which case I get +10 VP). </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Which playing as Britain means I need to keep track of every other country's VPs each turn and block the most successful ones. I can still lose, as if I don't get any Treaties, I only get 10 points and other people might get 11. Argh, my head hurts already.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-T4PpNor1Ex7UQhHcvL6pdedch0RALWr_as92IzAUDa8Z5TReTUEn2go7a9HbOKzNbltPUoMm6U-NbAUhQ_TlTDjtfIRjMt1Kky0rzAID2gcLpHKkFsjeOoK5VnHIbRLC-wbDVPa-tnzR6j-7v9PZX8VXmEihundh9czhAmG8aFredbC1nGbcF58pBy5m/s3264/20231212_195221.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2448" data-original-width="3264" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-T4PpNor1Ex7UQhHcvL6pdedch0RALWr_as92IzAUDa8Z5TReTUEn2go7a9HbOKzNbltPUoMm6U-NbAUhQ_TlTDjtfIRjMt1Kky0rzAID2gcLpHKkFsjeOoK5VnHIbRLC-wbDVPa-tnzR6j-7v9PZX8VXmEihundh9czhAmG8aFredbC1nGbcF58pBy5m/s320/20231212_195221.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Off we go slapping points down. My main objectives are to block Austria-Hungary and Russia, as they can both beat me with exclusive Treaty Rights in Serbia and Turkey respectively (AH gets a huge VP bonus for an exclusive Treaty with Serbia). I'm not so worried about France and Germany as they have mutually opposing objectives, so can knock bits out of each other, I do need to keep an eye on them though, as one of them has the bonus objective of blocking all British treaties.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I pile into Turkey and Serbia.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiD3nO-azJ3_crLgsqgiVXXULzYC1n8cbzJFgLKLoUENy81FMbV8u5s7mQIznCu6HlzfYmu39Y6P_pMa8DB0LQWtaWFwlSXgc4XEu37Lxvh5htc45oSMCfDpnQ2TgXxQTfz0urQaD9-ElljgT_4YrHfYB32EdhSiy-27sF0Nk0IUZUPul422G0gbsG0_hyphenhyphen2/s3264/20231212_200831.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2448" data-original-width="3264" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiD3nO-azJ3_crLgsqgiVXXULzYC1n8cbzJFgLKLoUENy81FMbV8u5s7mQIznCu6HlzfYmu39Y6P_pMa8DB0LQWtaWFwlSXgc4XEu37Lxvh5htc45oSMCfDpnQ2TgXxQTfz0urQaD9-ElljgT_4YrHfYB32EdhSiy-27sF0Nk0IUZUPul422G0gbsG0_hyphenhyphen2/s320/20231212_200831.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Bloody Russia! The Far East is an exclusive objective for Britain, worth loads of VPs, it is also worth VPs for Russia., so they put 8 DPs (green box) in the first two turns. You can only put 5DP a turn into an area, so I run the risk of losing the DP race in 'The Great Game', but I'm busy in Turkey and Serbia.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhI213Oie9bRY1Y_KyG-GAikcNZJOGRoH2PmuTl2QYPLqdiloaoEOTKim9geQvgk4CS2R_BD9kR07J-Y_SuLfrsdBtE53XzS4PfJpF-KDY1UlqJZ968_jjcWjnvaX5TrKGu25H1RsZix0973AZxpRsLoDQ18DDuAF4w_kSnDnYzxvhGogvX8qtINYaFNxa7/s3264/20231212_202156.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2448" data-original-width="3264" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhI213Oie9bRY1Y_KyG-GAikcNZJOGRoH2PmuTl2QYPLqdiloaoEOTKim9geQvgk4CS2R_BD9kR07J-Y_SuLfrsdBtE53XzS4PfJpF-KDY1UlqJZ968_jjcWjnvaX5TrKGu25H1RsZix0973AZxpRsLoDQ18DDuAF4w_kSnDnYzxvhGogvX8qtINYaFNxa7/s320/20231212_202156.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">After few turns, the British presence in Serbia has been reduced to a mere (red) 5, as AH (yellow) has 20 points left after repeated DP offensives to kick me out. Fortunately the Russians have piled 16DP in as well, which will keep the Austrians busy. I just need to get the Austrias below 10 here, I don't care (much) if Russia gets a Treaty. Russia gets far fewer VPs that Austria does for Serbia.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I apparently have loads of points in Greece, as does Germany (grey). This is a minor objective for both of us, and I just put spare points in as and when. I do need a Treaty with someone to avoid Germany getting a bonus for blocking any British treaties. Germany is busy in its struggle with France over Africa though. There is also a lot of interest in Italy.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbUkco_enyVaYW8FtmY5qWlXrJZuLjJvp6XT1YnvLdXeMas9PuyWGuaG8fNtJhw3_lEsRTShIrPJcBcQ7XA9HmL8UpH1rxWl7GtrfjqpvozFij7gSJD1neaNK45mDInKFpcHw4lMeqg9sxsFAECntnR6OYhFJtOtYDiwxgra3rIWVbHYit0pC9rk2axZ3d/s3264/20231212_204712.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2448" data-original-width="3264" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbUkco_enyVaYW8FtmY5qWlXrJZuLjJvp6XT1YnvLdXeMas9PuyWGuaG8fNtJhw3_lEsRTShIrPJcBcQ7XA9HmL8UpH1rxWl7GtrfjqpvozFij7gSJD1neaNK45mDInKFpcHw4lMeqg9sxsFAECntnR6OYhFJtOtYDiwxgra3rIWVbHYit0pC9rk2axZ3d/s320/20231212_204712.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">A few more turns. Bloodbath in Serbia, I am down to zero, but so is Austria. The Russians emerge victorious, but I don't care much about that: Austria losing the diplomatic struggle is worth -10 VP.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">France and Germany both have strong Treaties with Germany, I have (finally) beaten Russia in Turkey. Shades of From Russia with Love. Greece is a Mexican standoff between Germany and Britain, neither wants to risk a 1:1 attack (33% chance of AE!). Both Rumania and Italy are jointly controlled as minor objectives by Austria, Germany and Russia (in Rumania).</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYqArvVm0V5Xchx9FM5BEoXaSRMFFeWOPNcYLdgJdy1SpzBjq0NJW_eRoXDLZTSfctwBmfjTbPZYIOWPoEnemiBQJ48kdk1P6fRNkt5zyvVAKMi-T14UPpf3qGP8vUbBiQM-xoOZYqXeA3QQP85sQMN8xs89IhIUYgeg2PRvc45L7SGsKHLcSCxPQm-kA-/s3264/20231212_205509.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2448" data-original-width="3264" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYqArvVm0V5Xchx9FM5BEoXaSRMFFeWOPNcYLdgJdy1SpzBjq0NJW_eRoXDLZTSfctwBmfjTbPZYIOWPoEnemiBQJ48kdk1P6fRNkt5zyvVAKMi-T14UPpf3qGP8vUbBiQM-xoOZYqXeA3QQP85sQMN8xs89IhIUYgeg2PRvc45L7SGsKHLcSCxPQm-kA-/s320/20231212_205509.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The last turn and the final scores for treaties are:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">France 5, A-H 8, Germany 11 and Russia 11, Britain 3.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">However no-one has scored more than 11 points, so Britain has met its special objective and maintained the Balance of Power, so +10 VP, for a final score of 13. Britain wins! I think that also means we avoid WW1, for now. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">We got through that in an evening, so ran it again next day.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDs3ApbxJcbxK91-b-hR1_Fi3P8HeBcw4IsAE70BEkkKu5nkn3u_Sbes7BDBep9lkAplM11uEqOlro21NofuCMHXJj5R8NM9NMDyVAS0wCcLmGLVYgkc6Ns-cboA0a8VyRAQDXFoY3Awu7eLiL4XHDIWzixHVjQ484l0ODUjNeabFD6nONM5cUZJ0BCnFq/s3264/20231213_203924.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2448" data-original-width="3264" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDs3ApbxJcbxK91-b-hR1_Fi3P8HeBcw4IsAE70BEkkKu5nkn3u_Sbes7BDBep9lkAplM11uEqOlro21NofuCMHXJj5R8NM9NMDyVAS0wCcLmGLVYgkc6Ns-cboA0a8VyRAQDXFoY3Awu7eLiL4XHDIWzixHVjQ484l0ODUjNeabFD6nONM5cUZJ0BCnFq/s320/20231213_203924.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I just followed the same strategy as they day before, but with more concentration of effort in Serbia, Turkey and the Far East. I didn't get distracted by Italy and Africa, and I didn't make so many 1:1 attacks. I still failed to get any points for the Far East as I forgot I needed exclusive Treaty Rights, so I forgot to attack the Russians.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">It didn't matter though as once again I managed to stop anyone getting more than 11 points, so got my bonus objective.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Final score: France 5, A-H 8, Germany 11 and Russia 6, Britain 3, but +10 = 13.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">So in this game Russia did worse and Germany came second.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">We've played this game several times now, as has John B with his group, and a British victory is a a more common occurrence than other countries, so I do wonder if Britain has an edge? Having said that, I played Britain in our very first game of this and the Austrians obliterated everyone else, so it may just be the luck of the draw.</div><br /><p><br /></p>Martin Rapierhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16788664847205341619noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2410063836503200299.post-38488905517794869582024-02-29T00:13:00.000-08:002024-02-29T00:13:25.186-08:0015mm Peter Pig German Motorcycles<p> My DAK force needed some motorcycles, both for the recce elements and the attached motorcycle battalions.</p><p>Although I have some old Roco motorcycle combos in panzergrau, I wanted some new ones as well as they will do for later war motorcycle troops in Europe and Russia too. These are Peter Pig ones, although other manufacturers are available.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkZLWyT1fC_Gd8Delqa5MM17Uj_IevlbFA9RweWXKKbzOrxMMoEDml4EqiyF63AIYpVsdLDq-7d6zQSZRPK1YyoI2_Yqd4ui9-k6owsa_YsNxtTNJf4EOgrotO94WKukIYc-_8wgXloniTTypyxGZLHLfxsiIA_KUhsW7bFUwm5AU3bpZKaa2Lu56ShdXC/s3264/20230915_134644.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2448" data-original-width="3264" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkZLWyT1fC_Gd8Delqa5MM17Uj_IevlbFA9RweWXKKbzOrxMMoEDml4EqiyF63AIYpVsdLDq-7d6zQSZRPK1YyoI2_Yqd4ui9-k6owsa_YsNxtTNJf4EOgrotO94WKukIYc-_8wgXloniTTypyxGZLHLfxsiIA_KUhsW7bFUwm5AU3bpZKaa2Lu56ShdXC/s320/20230915_134644.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Being a complete cheapskate I bought one bag of m/cycle combinations (each with a bike and sidecar) and one of single bikes. Half of them are reserved for the Italians, although tbh with sand coloured bikes ridded by blokes in sandy coloured uniforms, they will all end up looking much alike.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj82cfC6kESbCfFogdW3qcKRrPrg6Um0j2XM5_6prid0m1mtgcD6zpeQAKmBs5ys6M5ZG8ZdnQeWrri9hsbjZfiWv7p4kKTyK7V36Y5FDK61MhEWhKKzXJoXWukEmb4TLimWk0rjWVgj5RcrdsAQvNGFAG6SJbcDhkCfCK0oj7lDi6tx9Q5uCSXtOOFC-yn/s3264/20230915_134700.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2448" data-original-width="3264" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj82cfC6kESbCfFogdW3qcKRrPrg6Um0j2XM5_6prid0m1mtgcD6zpeQAKmBs5ys6M5ZG8ZdnQeWrri9hsbjZfiWv7p4kKTyK7V36Y5FDK61MhEWhKKzXJoXWukEmb4TLimWk0rjWVgj5RcrdsAQvNGFAG6SJbcDhkCfCK0oj7lDi6tx9Q5uCSXtOOFC-yn/s320/20230915_134700.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">They are lovely castings, although there aren't any obvious locating lugs for the sidecar. You just have to glue it in place and hope for the best. The motorcycle sidecar rider is supplied with a separate head, which also needs gluing in place, otherwise no assembly is required.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigL6FvSWb1EmiKzFKQvI7jI2R-vTEPX_L6gdc75ZJz5OIuBUf3Oa7lpOi7LWrlcl9jUCUHhb2uNf2v9-BQlPykNv7oKlsJhJXaquyIxkSbR4PdKegkmlr57_wBQvPbwArdB1wLOI6n2M1VaHV2qf3DRqE18jDVROoQ274sAH1jMvixAfSTP7Jd9JF9PyO5/s3264/20230915_134711.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2448" data-original-width="3264" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigL6FvSWb1EmiKzFKQvI7jI2R-vTEPX_L6gdc75ZJz5OIuBUf3Oa7lpOi7LWrlcl9jUCUHhb2uNf2v9-BQlPykNv7oKlsJhJXaquyIxkSbR4PdKegkmlr57_wBQvPbwArdB1wLOI6n2M1VaHV2qf3DRqE18jDVROoQ274sAH1jMvixAfSTP7Jd9JF9PyO5/s320/20230915_134711.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">They have lots of detail, nice deep lines and perhaps more important, plenty of character. I'd originally planned to base some dismounted troops next to the single bikes to thicken them up a bit, but in the end decided against it. I have some single mounted bikes I use for Russian recce troops, and they look fine on the tabletop. </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyXHwYUr6YQfZZt4TIpxAJ-mP3pWVcV5LzTfafNkBgKNTBZq6M_QkCW4FqiXBNbgMEFo6DMpIxhoZXNPztjCHHewKcIyKkxyvpOF7m5AOXAh3g-u8CkVE23hfWJlRt2aml-YBp7tpDukHatoJjpv6kYk0u7qqJzG1xYyHGRG7XCXFb7aP1aJvqlGzqQaU3/s3264/20230915_134726.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2448" data-original-width="3264" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyXHwYUr6YQfZZt4TIpxAJ-mP3pWVcV5LzTfafNkBgKNTBZq6M_QkCW4FqiXBNbgMEFo6DMpIxhoZXNPztjCHHewKcIyKkxyvpOF7m5AOXAh3g-u8CkVE23hfWJlRt2aml-YBp7tpDukHatoJjpv6kYk0u7qqJzG1xYyHGRG7XCXFb7aP1aJvqlGzqQaU3/s320/20230915_134726.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">With such nice deep castings, they take a wash and a drybrush really well. I also picked out the numberplates on the mudguards in white and dobbed one some black 'registration numbers' with my micron lining pen.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Very pleased with those, much nicer than my old Roco plastic motorcycles. </div><br /><p><br /></p>Martin Rapierhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16788664847205341619noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2410063836503200299.post-69162456257886696782024-02-26T07:49:00.001-08:002024-02-26T23:24:55.774-08:00Dom Butgenbach, 20th December 1944<p> The second of my December Bulge games was Dom Butgenbach, also taken from the CD IV rulebook (scenario 6). This took place on 20th December 1944 and is a contrast with the earlier TF Rose, as this time the Germans have numbers, but the US forces have a huge qualitative advantage.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6jDHQ8ttxqIFLBOvVvI_IQhu-JXNFoFpC_rgXNqf4EdpQPy4f5DZwhjmZNPu27YtTxOd8A7wfMWCQ9aLRPakb_bw8RyaIxP5LSUTzYvhkZgWazZqqg8bnuQYADGFzPgWQyVN_j2LLHobB-a8-B5fhDEU6eInsiR_Q54ZukHJHXG6QBtGpUsjU8RccS_L4/s3264/20231230_143852.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3264" data-original-width="2448" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6jDHQ8ttxqIFLBOvVvI_IQhu-JXNFoFpC_rgXNqf4EdpQPy4f5DZwhjmZNPu27YtTxOd8A7wfMWCQ9aLRPakb_bw8RyaIxP5LSUTzYvhkZgWazZqqg8bnuQYADGFzPgWQyVN_j2LLHobB-a8-B5fhDEU6eInsiR_Q54ZukHJHXG6QBtGpUsjU8RccS_L4/s320/20231230_143852.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Battlefield from the south, this engagement features one of the numerous attacks put in by 12th SS Panzer Division vs 1st Infantry Div, 'The Big Red One', in the northern sector of the Bulge. Dom Butgenbach is the town between the two river sections, Bullingen is in the top right corner and the three hills to the left and the town together comprise the four objectives the Germans have to capture.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">As with the Marnach scenario, the ground is all bad going and the woods are dense. The creek is bad going for infantry and tracked vehicles, impassable to wheeled. This battle was fought in early morning mist, so I'm keeping the standard 2 hex visibility.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSxG3v4jNs22W_rmebMwuJB-FJZdz3NMWuHxxxXm5Gz03lCPSVjhbBSGXwcxzp_j4UUUjDeGx25CQDdNW-1GLzLHawxIR6ZsUYMSi9uKMlJH0hY4ELlW05zCCESTWbUyk67HNUgL-52leIOVOib-pLL0nqp9wJNSUZKmEjjvCGTexoE0BUWTgCDVVY__XG/s3264/20231230_143909.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3264" data-original-width="2448" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSxG3v4jNs22W_rmebMwuJB-FJZdz3NMWuHxxxXm5Gz03lCPSVjhbBSGXwcxzp_j4UUUjDeGx25CQDdNW-1GLzLHawxIR6ZsUYMSi9uKMlJH0hY4ELlW05zCCESTWbUyk67HNUgL-52leIOVOib-pLL0nqp9wJNSUZKmEjjvCGTexoE0BUWTgCDVVY__XG/s320/20231230_143909.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">This is another 'battalion scale' scenario, so the US have four rifle companies and a composite 76mm Sherman company. I could have attached the Shermans out, but I thought it would work better if they were available as a mobile reserve. The US units are all rated as Veteran.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The US forces all start dug in, so I put one rifle company on each of the objectives. They also have a couple of minefields, which are actually really useful to channel German vehicular movement, given the broken terrain.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggvjHnDOzFMxKaMsCUklnyqB3V6DpYOt_6We6LWHnik-Z1aLzYw62mMNIRG_y3JBZqicr8Ee-9wFeDZfhUk62c7yeEm0LP-Dy0BpFVhTZBvH_IdQibrNZmlQd43Ve2OHgItYXCRi9vEAdd90zexXWMo9O48CQHecLRZTOmoGSgY0xdh4kFV_VwnLj9Wbam/s3264/20231230_143921.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3264" data-original-width="2448" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggvjHnDOzFMxKaMsCUklnyqB3V6DpYOt_6We6LWHnik-Z1aLzYw62mMNIRG_y3JBZqicr8Ee-9wFeDZfhUk62c7yeEm0LP-Dy0BpFVhTZBvH_IdQibrNZmlQd43Ve2OHgItYXCRi9vEAdd90zexXWMo9O48CQHecLRZTOmoGSgY0xdh4kFV_VwnLj9Wbam/s320/20231230_143921.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The US also have masses of artillery support, two entire artillery battalions! I also gave them two supply columns, which should be plenty for their five companies.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkXg-4FW7FbpAuzvXVj1bd4KERKUHROm5-7LY7wkpigYizdFO4soRUuCURnGchn-5TZYCQjfZa6xp250a_zkMR-mSdYVdo6pEyOpSuycnF81HbjjUcGKLYPkfrdrXqQ_HE5r81HBBRxokqH7KfWrXxKREvKE3-P89XKsuIjya_fw-FLlOI6n2hZPKQhjzp/s3264/20231230_143935.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3264" data-original-width="2448" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkXg-4FW7FbpAuzvXVj1bd4KERKUHROm5-7LY7wkpigYizdFO4soRUuCURnGchn-5TZYCQjfZa6xp250a_zkMR-mSdYVdo6pEyOpSuycnF81HbjjUcGKLYPkfrdrXqQ_HE5r81HBBRxokqH7KfWrXxKREvKE3-P89XKsuIjya_fw-FLlOI6n2hZPKQhjzp/s320/20231230_143935.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The Germans have masses of troops, mainly two battalions of panzergenadiers, one in trucks the other mounted in halftracks. Unlike their pals in 2nd Panzer Div, these units are all understrength and lacking many of their SP guns. I rated them all as standard infantry, although one company of the 2nd Bn had some Sig 33s in support, so rated as Heavy.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">In the CD scenario these guys have poor training but high morale, so I averaged it out as average troops.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWanHeD0_k0Q1AC3ceA080kKNs5YXP8x0LkauxKmo6ooitj3i_0mCGCQcxjvtKKGP50rqMeGbzxqDhwVf1o_Z7gKaAhEtdPKmJJsCe-vbbOvP_Wd8wfRRUaKKV1zcR4d5NeFvBT__ogW7SlpTcdHJjt8aIDLoD9PaS26vyl2Z26tXPoOhSocKjInUxzCHe/s3264/20231230_143941.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3264" data-original-width="2448" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWanHeD0_k0Q1AC3ceA080kKNs5YXP8x0LkauxKmo6ooitj3i_0mCGCQcxjvtKKGP50rqMeGbzxqDhwVf1o_Z7gKaAhEtdPKmJJsCe-vbbOvP_Wd8wfRRUaKKV1zcR4d5NeFvBT__ogW7SlpTcdHJjt8aIDLoD9PaS26vyl2Z26tXPoOhSocKjInUxzCHe/s320/20231230_143941.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">They also have a couple of artillery batteries, just the one supply column and an attached Panzerjaeger Bn. This has a company each of Jagdpanzer IVs and Jagdpanthers - it was the latter which overran Charles B MacDonalds rifle company as recounted in 'Company Commander', and which have been endlessly misidentified as Tigers in various accounts of the battle. In the old Panzer Leader 'Elsenborn Ridge' scenario, they even became a company each of Tiger I and Tiger IIs! Still, they are Jagdpanthers and obviously quite scary. I'll rate these as Heavy Tanks.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4qsGaPPD7yOPcaKDHyBAyHQNQ62G7Yavahf8afIgH_8Oj5Ej5Rs4AKukwalBEklrP3c1-gM6FaPhSt6FcFhylMLbZduD9ZgKRqDCaswGjxQPNECeBemzJ1rZwaRDAJBFb7kD8QkO-5KR0sF22IXLjJqZFQceQ4_oOHzBu3gipOoDVwv97FjipXFcRuko4/s3264/20231230_144603.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3264" data-original-width="2448" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4qsGaPPD7yOPcaKDHyBAyHQNQ62G7Yavahf8afIgH_8Oj5Ej5Rs4AKukwalBEklrP3c1-gM6FaPhSt6FcFhylMLbZduD9ZgKRqDCaswGjxQPNECeBemzJ1rZwaRDAJBFb7kD8QkO-5KR0sF22IXLjJqZFQceQ4_oOHzBu3gipOoDVwv97FjipXFcRuko4/s320/20231230_144603.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I did a bit of shuffling of the US troops and put an outpost in the woods in the centre, covering the mined road, with the Shermans hull down on the ridge above. I figured the good road network would let them rapidly redeploy. I'm not going to let them stand and die like the Stuarts in the last game.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The other minefield is just visible on the road in the far south in front of the position on the ridge. It blocks the road and links neatly with the forest hex to restrict rapid access to the southern village.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgel_21avbWyNlxTOICFto9b5sJ4aaKZrBPzSwJWWa8NrdNLhHCYw7ggJkPHR2zxMqzKHrOIlIRqHbPvbR1lLu4rdNE8f9y9uoNt1SXQYVBCV3r9GHnZtKKkAqNa5eDzBVpYVxtuLFF4WXTj4RHoQMFAB_jom5bQPLFf0jOl-nC-lv4L-xwWrceVdYErQUb/s3264/20231230_145015.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3264" data-original-width="2448" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgel_21avbWyNlxTOICFto9b5sJ4aaKZrBPzSwJWWa8NrdNLhHCYw7ggJkPHR2zxMqzKHrOIlIRqHbPvbR1lLu4rdNE8f9y9uoNt1SXQYVBCV3r9GHnZtKKkAqNa5eDzBVpYVxtuLFF4WXTj4RHoQMFAB_jom5bQPLFf0jOl-nC-lv4L-xwWrceVdYErQUb/s320/20231230_145015.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The initial German force is the armoured PG battalion. I opted for caution and they came on in the southeast, using the forests as cover. I'm going to try and gang up on the southern ridge. The infantry will need to dismount to enter the forest.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1ueIlN-3xd5xaAp-gCZQ3e_Kd1e7xh0bryw3FRfz2mV1Oe8CAXkfLU0tieMxdZrBO9LdxH0C_3XXnsHm5cKhyKU4KZ8zo8HHZRo05Wdj3o3bu6IC9ZFK5qbfyVqDWtvP356fIt3JG9GHi04z_MQwm24Lu66vwMiDv4FjU1t7JGf40bhGizDBntKUCLKFA/s3264/20231230_145247.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3264" data-original-width="2448" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1ueIlN-3xd5xaAp-gCZQ3e_Kd1e7xh0bryw3FRfz2mV1Oe8CAXkfLU0tieMxdZrBO9LdxH0C_3XXnsHm5cKhyKU4KZ8zo8HHZRo05Wdj3o3bu6IC9ZFK5qbfyVqDWtvP356fIt3JG9GHi04z_MQwm24Lu66vwMiDv4FjU1t7JGf40bhGizDBntKUCLKFA/s320/20231230_145247.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Naturally the Shermans responded by motoring along their lateral road to bolster the defence. Wellington would have approved. I'm very glad visibility is restricted by mist in this scenario!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsHErNeKXRCSWh-hRib_6MbSwkWQFnEUpQ9NgupueC0JS-ttmdYY8kKzepQ58j8Ok7K_aU49tPBb3y1LWVJAyp_jRaxclUfdqY-zLMcfc59uHwwmfOGzw8uV6CdB6gYJw2nkMfykSbBG7lDrMKtsH3ax4abYuFEu0MuU5-AL_zLKCPLuvhOwnztqheVE_1/s3264/20231230_145832.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3264" data-original-width="2448" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsHErNeKXRCSWh-hRib_6MbSwkWQFnEUpQ9NgupueC0JS-ttmdYY8kKzepQ58j8Ok7K_aU49tPBb3y1LWVJAyp_jRaxclUfdqY-zLMcfc59uHwwmfOGzw8uV6CdB6gYJw2nkMfykSbBG7lDrMKtsH3ax4abYuFEu0MuU5-AL_zLKCPLuvhOwnztqheVE_1/s320/20231230_145832.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The Germans push all their units forward at once to maximise their concentration of force. One of the PG companies deliberately advances right to the ridge to draw fire and let the other units get into position. The US respond with a torrent of direct and artillery fire - those US artillery battalions are terrifying. The PG company in the open is almost destroyed, and becomes disorganised. </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGVpHVf9LePBxTVNHW2fpwzbn91uqXm5-r5npcON1YXz2cskMXH7JnOOnL-e-OOVH5vl-BJNqniPT3k0ur-2g17v2SSHbFxtAA7dJrbwMjHYoxqztrBZlC69o_vWkIMKhiOxHqbSxuI_8u5pLSJvVh6qgWAEFelCWmog42Ros_N8jbnJiqFhRrNxWUoAQT/s3264/20231230_150554.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3264" data-original-width="2448" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGVpHVf9LePBxTVNHW2fpwzbn91uqXm5-r5npcON1YXz2cskMXH7JnOOnL-e-OOVH5vl-BJNqniPT3k0ur-2g17v2SSHbFxtAA7dJrbwMjHYoxqztrBZlC69o_vWkIMKhiOxHqbSxuI_8u5pLSJvVh6qgWAEFelCWmog42Ros_N8jbnJiqFhRrNxWUoAQT/s320/20231230_150554.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The German reinforcements arrive. Armour leads the way southwest from Bullingen as the lorried PG follow up behind. The Germans reorg the shattered PG company and push another across the open ground in their halftracks while artillery and the third company provide covering fire.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Once again US defensive fire shatters the advancing grenadiers and they become disorganised.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhu7IOyn74p47_S7WdRR4Daj5E8Qx-3n2L3SHFbUJkQ7KgZRnPQS7qBUouG8XpqlX6QdUNQQi8q3RmhBguDyahyGSCrOyksDPpDIm8MJqqPsb1HXrAlpDshSJGbFybD9qR7C-Iz2QJ4uA4iBvbV-fB5zum7s8x9LRiIJdkMeiKTubb4kpT4YJUeaUdI7l7s/s3264/20231230_150611.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2448" data-original-width="3264" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhu7IOyn74p47_S7WdRR4Daj5E8Qx-3n2L3SHFbUJkQ7KgZRnPQS7qBUouG8XpqlX6QdUNQQi8q3RmhBguDyahyGSCrOyksDPpDIm8MJqqPsb1HXrAlpDshSJGbFybD9qR7C-Iz2QJ4uA4iBvbV-fB5zum7s8x9LRiIJdkMeiKTubb4kpT4YJUeaUdI7l7s/s320/20231230_150611.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">In the north the Jagdpanzer IVs (or Pz IV (70) if you prefer) take up fire positions across the minefield as the infantry line advances. Two of the companies are planning on using the forest as cover to approach the roadblock. US defensive fire chips a hit off the Pz IV/70s.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio7HW1JZAECRPkCp_Dn4ayWTRiPO7SOc38XIvnXP5cxN6XTifdu2KjKnWKFRLXD6xELiewCkL_aIKmLOiSlFJFj9sRMko5jdhb3Q2iNIP2ur0DAGKPe5p-CjRKJAGDQovaTaDs0MLPkY5GUw7ecHl54xSlXqb7TMA7DWqbWfgVi2Mqc6xt6VWXvjTyuYVm/s3264/20231230_152602.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3264" data-original-width="2448" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio7HW1JZAECRPkCp_Dn4ayWTRiPO7SOc38XIvnXP5cxN6XTifdu2KjKnWKFRLXD6xELiewCkL_aIKmLOiSlFJFj9sRMko5jdhb3Q2iNIP2ur0DAGKPe5p-CjRKJAGDQovaTaDs0MLPkY5GUw7ecHl54xSlXqb7TMA7DWqbWfgVi2Mqc6xt6VWXvjTyuYVm/s320/20231230_152602.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Carnage in the south! The exposed disorganised PG company is eliminated by US fire and the other disorganised PG company retreats into the forest to make way for the Jagdpanthers. Losses to the US defenders are now heavy enough that they need to reorg, the extra resilience of Veteran status saving them so far.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVsX9SEZkOrenaLFYrPrWMuHawIHoZeR_YHuAaN5m-XA3rccbXbUsZBnnAw5D479CXojVTmJvkBhUdSbQD-nAqr4La9scQc3RHb5ODp880BIMgA-dUi97eje3qYRAoXdJLRonL0x5EZjp7pSQsIVDl16uC_P-PmmjFVA_o1a2WEii3Z2AhRCoxMal-g_cu/s3264/20231230_152613.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3264" data-original-width="2448" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVsX9SEZkOrenaLFYrPrWMuHawIHoZeR_YHuAaN5m-XA3rccbXbUsZBnnAw5D479CXojVTmJvkBhUdSbQD-nAqr4La9scQc3RHb5ODp880BIMgA-dUi97eje3qYRAoXdJLRonL0x5EZjp7pSQsIVDl16uC_P-PmmjFVA_o1a2WEii3Z2AhRCoxMal-g_cu/s320/20231230_152613.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Chaos in the north! Three PG companies move next to the roadblock, so a retrograde move seems in order. Of course I'd completely forgotten about the ZOC rules, so my cunning US plan to fall back three hexes down the road runs into a hail of German small arms fire. Hey ho, at least the company is out of sight of most of the Germans now. The company on the ridge manages to knock out some more Pz IV/70s as well.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtH7_2p54UybGrGx_Ig7nsdialtvMobln3PKDzWeuDfN_LDTA-L2IU3E8DYkL_oMtBtIawpUfZHK55eWvZTUARMc1IzSc77UU_p9VEpXm8CsnX8DGKqMuyG2LyfyVprZb0bYAMB8Cy4WVVPOxjBdFMbF_Aw3F4r1NQ9hzXMaYq3FZo5eFJhFYk6efoWB-9/s3264/20231230_153237.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2448" data-original-width="3264" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtH7_2p54UybGrGx_Ig7nsdialtvMobln3PKDzWeuDfN_LDTA-L2IU3E8DYkL_oMtBtIawpUfZHK55eWvZTUARMc1IzSc77UU_p9VEpXm8CsnX8DGKqMuyG2LyfyVprZb0bYAMB8Cy4WVVPOxjBdFMbF_Aw3F4r1NQ9hzXMaYq3FZo5eFJhFYk6efoWB-9/s320/20231230_153237.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I really, really need to stop the US troops reorganising, so the Jagdpanthers don't stop to fire but instead roll to the top of the ridge, ready to assault the US infantry. The Germans reorg their battered PG in the woods to threaten the Shermans.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ2-wPAUfbfFxy74PMf2Jd21zcdVzY29VNuj3xsKm4LSSU9VKPRcwaXvZBe_0npaYYZhCs69AMQ4Vu5osXyoXQ4nDYhMdtFwG3EwuYaXr1tKKhGah7mJuew3ICGZw_EgBtE6zqfEqpanobmG41kLhN5zDJq23yxm-WzYn6icPktl6jUniOwujbq_m3KlZj/s3264/20231230_153327.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3264" data-original-width="2448" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ2-wPAUfbfFxy74PMf2Jd21zcdVzY29VNuj3xsKm4LSSU9VKPRcwaXvZBe_0npaYYZhCs69AMQ4Vu5osXyoXQ4nDYhMdtFwG3EwuYaXr1tKKhGah7mJuew3ICGZw_EgBtE6zqfEqpanobmG41kLhN5zDJq23yxm-WzYn6icPktl6jUniOwujbq_m3KlZj/s320/20231230_153327.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The US guns are down to one fire mission each. The barrels are red hot.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTJyhJpJPG4UTXCvUvZOmdsQUkO1Jo-DTahpiyBB_lCA6v3IzslMRedBWEIfW1xUk2au0NJdD236TogGNxfYxMhK1nQKbcJB5piz932ovL2tWLemi0xEHxsm6NxYUU2CHBFrkL6xTNmuQg1Nf2Zb5IORfdmsA1ErHijJd_602-tlIeD1Iy2U1NFHp4YIJM/s3264/20231230_153726.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2448" data-original-width="3264" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTJyhJpJPG4UTXCvUvZOmdsQUkO1Jo-DTahpiyBB_lCA6v3IzslMRedBWEIfW1xUk2au0NJdD236TogGNxfYxMhK1nQKbcJB5piz932ovL2tWLemi0xEHxsm6NxYUU2CHBFrkL6xTNmuQg1Nf2Zb5IORfdmsA1ErHijJd_602-tlIeD1Iy2U1NFHp4YIJM/s320/20231230_153726.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The US artillery fires its last shells at the Jagdpanthers, but with no effect. The Shermans inflict some hits though.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgh5rXWiYH1PHh1VkdhpqxqCg4jIsmJ_nsH3KwDU7wM2_Sk9oU2uFbjIRNcSH_x7CBFAcRG4RVu6yq3mwSsG8lYf1e43bvChDBvtZ59EvJ2KNwYvqLT0uWcJHEel_lt0FojrqFKwUWqjrlB5_6fIcCXi-rQdEEiLcjdQUCrg9FmB6O1B9I1tu2bjsCjnsoT/s3264/20231230_154002.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3264" data-original-width="2448" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgh5rXWiYH1PHh1VkdhpqxqCg4jIsmJ_nsH3KwDU7wM2_Sk9oU2uFbjIRNcSH_x7CBFAcRG4RVu6yq3mwSsG8lYf1e43bvChDBvtZ59EvJ2KNwYvqLT0uWcJHEel_lt0FojrqFKwUWqjrlB5_6fIcCXi-rQdEEiLcjdQUCrg9FmB6O1B9I1tu2bjsCjnsoT/s320/20231230_154002.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">In a bold move, the Jagdpanzers and lorried PG bypass the minefield and line up for a mass frontal assault on the northern ridge. The Jagdpanzers are positioned to assault, while the PG provide fire support.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The move is unopposed by the US artillery as they have run out of ammo....</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNTTcPMnAc8MIBrjQUTavpXkeoUNGQhudabnEAqG2gfBI6g1iocNmUcbDEppoEckrP_12Hx8jmNZsDEKjzgYZmIgFxDwAuzwh6SClMlJdVdN3CtjJPIGiG0fA3TmuUdIXnr3VM9x7BbDcX5GOu_UVULJ1nf9ZSwfhy7n0RZFqopW_wEwUBhpZBoRGBRlkM/s3264/20231230_154901.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2448" data-original-width="3264" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNTTcPMnAc8MIBrjQUTavpXkeoUNGQhudabnEAqG2gfBI6g1iocNmUcbDEppoEckrP_12Hx8jmNZsDEKjzgYZmIgFxDwAuzwh6SClMlJdVdN3CtjJPIGiG0fA3TmuUdIXnr3VM9x7BbDcX5GOu_UVULJ1nf9ZSwfhy7n0RZFqopW_wEwUBhpZBoRGBRlkM/s320/20231230_154901.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Despite taking enough hits to disorganise it, the Jagdpanthers are shot in by the German artillery and infantry, and finally manage to overrun the first objective. </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifRsl2rLbsQO7Z093NhTB8iXQm0KWe8ovn5_46k2aBiZU-LvvlAacEnFP3_nAEQUSw_kwyF1BRSSBZRT2EFzxTEmgIaxLfd7VsnY0XHt3txJwlHn6syRvDiEquI7Ytl043RoZltBg5OEqjCOQ5HV7fNmhNzGKA1ofUMgkOLBuoSHbP8t3kt2pWsdfUsH6q/s3264/20231230_154911.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2448" data-original-width="3264" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifRsl2rLbsQO7Z093NhTB8iXQm0KWe8ovn5_46k2aBiZU-LvvlAacEnFP3_nAEQUSw_kwyF1BRSSBZRT2EFzxTEmgIaxLfd7VsnY0XHt3txJwlHn6syRvDiEquI7Ytl043RoZltBg5OEqjCOQ5HV7fNmhNzGKA1ofUMgkOLBuoSHbP8t3kt2pWsdfUsH6q/s320/20231230_154911.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">In the north, the first German assault fails and both the Jagdpanzers and one PG company become disorganised. The isolated US rifle company in the open doesn't have much choice but to retreat into the woods as its other route is still restricted by a ZOC.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I made a mistake here, the Jagdpanzers should have retreated a hex. Too much time playing the Napoleonic version.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHX72PveAP2jdxeTbhNV9dpwEZi9EBF45wgqKdTFXy5JpvU8L49AFS49tS0YdMBg8XrsWPcHTKbpY8bJYuNd_l_6zM8A09KddoWs-lypim2d_Yz6lPj5kRoDLTTdbtQ92JzjzyuHslgFGiarPxSOJvfUmm9StqCWTCmpJKrYkK8y9TQOd7hoFAG6XKj5id/s3264/20231230_155656.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2448" data-original-width="3264" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHX72PveAP2jdxeTbhNV9dpwEZi9EBF45wgqKdTFXy5JpvU8L49AFS49tS0YdMBg8XrsWPcHTKbpY8bJYuNd_l_6zM8A09KddoWs-lypim2d_Yz6lPj5kRoDLTTdbtQ92JzjzyuHslgFGiarPxSOJvfUmm9StqCWTCmpJKrYkK8y9TQOd7hoFAG6XKj5id/s320/20231230_155656.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Faced with the mass of German units in front, the US troops fall back to Dom Butgenbach. They still have a pretty solid line and the Germans are quite chewed up.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjn7FTHCJJ0YI8O7_YqIHFnGL8NBYNJPsclHeYhoBlGgKJGC95gRH-WN4H8dTRzSFse5yyZfFhZ8STLALOpgbP_77xkLy9KRUxeSDJtxo17q0JN-CdoY1trbDUIIDg1PqIB_zUu5LveDX88EynosMvkQQL-B903MkUb7fHZdgpXzvu00i3JXbua53JBrtW6/s3264/20231230_155707.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2448" data-original-width="3264" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjn7FTHCJJ0YI8O7_YqIHFnGL8NBYNJPsclHeYhoBlGgKJGC95gRH-WN4H8dTRzSFse5yyZfFhZ8STLALOpgbP_77xkLy9KRUxeSDJtxo17q0JN-CdoY1trbDUIIDg1PqIB_zUu5LveDX88EynosMvkQQL-B903MkUb7fHZdgpXzvu00i3JXbua53JBrtW6/s320/20231230_155707.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The resupplied US artillery obliterates one of the PG companies.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6IHvatbv5mSZnwLz_lrQ3881sfiR-rGCXh6720Z1xFJB5XW0bPN0YVCtPofFtxj0DsHDaifWcB2sSNueDwdO80zCs9y6yiEpQRhptc5MA37I_bFeHjF8y8W0O-9QNFU-jAVHKsM_9reQk8lKOBs9y0E56R1NTJzdhgGaHYc2qfiXvJx8zG4VAOW-th4y_/s3264/20231230_160341.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2448" data-original-width="3264" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6IHvatbv5mSZnwLz_lrQ3881sfiR-rGCXh6720Z1xFJB5XW0bPN0YVCtPofFtxj0DsHDaifWcB2sSNueDwdO80zCs9y6yiEpQRhptc5MA37I_bFeHjF8y8W0O-9QNFU-jAVHKsM_9reQk8lKOBs9y0E56R1NTJzdhgGaHYc2qfiXvJx8zG4VAOW-th4y_/s320/20231230_160341.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">But the disorganised Jagdpanzers (4 hits!) manage to overrun the US infantry this time, supported by the remaining German infantry. If I hadn't made the retreat mistake, this wouldn't have been possible, but it was a very exciting turn.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhHRiNFDhKLTLuCxq_cwNwVLBImNoVttoJr0_16RjW2gWD4awC6x9f3Q3DTWXM4aRIkWq4TK4GcO7RGob1H5r7UZkQSMMwgpgGrD01WGsN9p3EzEq4RJX6TZ_DyJs6NKeh6z5wQssEMX0Eg7gnhMudon28Kli1c93ixrc0PEc_F37KeroaFEeJtmtXcv69/s3264/20231230_161011.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2448" data-original-width="3264" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhHRiNFDhKLTLuCxq_cwNwVLBImNoVttoJr0_16RjW2gWD4awC6x9f3Q3DTWXM4aRIkWq4TK4GcO7RGob1H5r7UZkQSMMwgpgGrD01WGsN9p3EzEq4RJX6TZ_DyJs6NKeh6z5wQssEMX0Eg7gnhMudon28Kli1c93ixrc0PEc_F37KeroaFEeJtmtXcv69/s320/20231230_161011.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">All over the north section of the battlefield battered units reorganise. US artillery are pummelling the battered PG with the Sig 33s, and they become disorganised. The Jagdpanzers are up and running again, albeit still with a few hits.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0aKSpJ91_8HaJ9Q9yUwGTCipLeMPoIojtUng5pXQe9j0FDtJ7JsHADorqhyphenhyphen18VOcmo3UsB3VygolHMvSgDekiO2kFx2JoRGKkDpw2D3zCMOJyVa6f8Lni95UsZ7mpB55suE2bAUmEm13FJsZEICUprzinYW6azZO8g7ZjFiwq3Dyz3CIdJubm-6iwDsPD/s3264/20231230_161017.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2448" data-original-width="3264" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0aKSpJ91_8HaJ9Q9yUwGTCipLeMPoIojtUng5pXQe9j0FDtJ7JsHADorqhyphenhyphen18VOcmo3UsB3VygolHMvSgDekiO2kFx2JoRGKkDpw2D3zCMOJyVa6f8Lni95UsZ7mpB55suE2bAUmEm13FJsZEICUprzinYW6azZO8g7ZjFiwq3Dyz3CIdJubm-6iwDsPD/s320/20231230_161017.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The Jagdpanthers keep up a desultory fire on Dom Butgenbach while armoured PG move up in support. I would have reorganised them, but didn't have the supply capacity.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgk0rysL2hZFG9rzrlmDKQ1mUEnu5hDiZ3EAbroppDjB2CHioQVjoVgYraE15tnVEk2DYIGRV4njkFnSt4JxeSfeSHIJ43I2M1osDCxJk9immfNL__JwAvP5QUTUuJwZIhfJvTb0cYs-RCQltsp2Rxft5WNM36OqTYvd2NDGCNy_hqY12g1oG1Q3MKkwtRz/s3264/20231230_161514.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2448" data-original-width="3264" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgk0rysL2hZFG9rzrlmDKQ1mUEnu5hDiZ3EAbroppDjB2CHioQVjoVgYraE15tnVEk2DYIGRV4njkFnSt4JxeSfeSHIJ43I2M1osDCxJk9immfNL__JwAvP5QUTUuJwZIhfJvTb0cYs-RCQltsp2Rxft5WNM36OqTYvd2NDGCNy_hqY12g1oG1Q3MKkwtRz/s320/20231230_161514.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">In the north both sides infantry keep reorganising while under shell fire. One lorried PG company moves up to assault the US infantry and and is heavily shelled.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQqZV16FW5F5a8rAxGmhwxDRRHAjqsAe4cmnrCX31xX2wtSFWBwKdEx86tVMdewVLQqU3OXzdvscO8yp9L1BErreBQo3YB_yqYeEHE8owVwVFHW-ESBRNG0GvWMU_10eeL7V2CHpDiH40XrZGrpGwdt5z6OFDwkcaDA1nB2S4R2S6NGiVO8neyCTgcZcdp/s3264/20231230_161523.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2448" data-original-width="3264" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQqZV16FW5F5a8rAxGmhwxDRRHAjqsAe4cmnrCX31xX2wtSFWBwKdEx86tVMdewVLQqU3OXzdvscO8yp9L1BErreBQo3YB_yqYeEHE8owVwVFHW-ESBRNG0GvWMU_10eeL7V2CHpDiH40XrZGrpGwdt5z6OFDwkcaDA1nB2S4R2S6NGiVO8neyCTgcZcdp/s320/20231230_161523.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">In a bold move the Pz IV/70s cross the stream, heading for the fourth objective. The battered Sherman company doesn't really have any choice but to block the move, and US infantry reoccupy Dom Butgenbach. The US just need to hold one objective to win, so perhaps I should have concentrated on the town, but that sounds like defeatism!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9GhFkJFjvRaMMMKCtCaPQTlLm6y8b7Td1i5QFUKSoku5kjV9xjRPTFm6tmemMkz2Zm2jgvg7gI2DfPdHfcRa2nExO-51GLoVg5KiPeWxKZDiapgauJ7Qi43R6KCZ_IWYqqqX5PDkiAxbnloVsLUyDuU2_Ez_gS5wmY-YBWVdAmfjH8tFwCj2efzZq2fWe/s3264/20231230_162012.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2448" data-original-width="3264" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9GhFkJFjvRaMMMKCtCaPQTlLm6y8b7Td1i5QFUKSoku5kjV9xjRPTFm6tmemMkz2Zm2jgvg7gI2DfPdHfcRa2nExO-51GLoVg5KiPeWxKZDiapgauJ7Qi43R6KCZ_IWYqqqX5PDkiAxbnloVsLUyDuU2_Ez_gS5wmY-YBWVdAmfjH8tFwCj2efzZq2fWe/s320/20231230_162012.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The US infantry in the woods have now taken six hits, just one left, but repel the PG assault. Again, I should have retreated the Germans at this point. The US can't reorg as they were assaulted,</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNHRKpf1aLJWlTenuAzFYSb4m9ZM1FCmnOvaRpDSJtu1ZSkYmtwkg-ZRs6-j1fvWwvu0zcC8p6b8nFCmI5B5iXBW0Y9ok49TSl34anj4Y0qmwvtueCJagT-SE26iiUjGgYuSBJNZflw9AdkMqlRmUZd6DaBvgGQ8dZegpSq2h9wqjx0avZnwbm87nWLwcd/s3264/20231230_162027.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2448" data-original-width="3264" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNHRKpf1aLJWlTenuAzFYSb4m9ZM1FCmnOvaRpDSJtu1ZSkYmtwkg-ZRs6-j1fvWwvu0zcC8p6b8nFCmI5B5iXBW0Y9ok49TSl34anj4Y0qmwvtueCJagT-SE26iiUjGgYuSBJNZflw9AdkMqlRmUZd6DaBvgGQ8dZegpSq2h9wqjx0avZnwbm87nWLwcd/s320/20231230_162027.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The Jagdpanzers assault the Shermans, behind artillery fire!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMx_t_pnUhrolV979P59bcd_-Fmvpbw4j3Xx4oBic66qxq83AZTK5iFH4ur-dxbA5l6fQxkxXyGrLhyjk3ZtV2H8Fh1XOl5ZA3MQX7JwTpPltGpqoOCTP6qKreAbeaWbt1gFrzK3WWZFIv3i8LjQkTXL-UTikvrXZw82QOY3ZFr4IaMOoyLM1PqruL-SwP/s3264/20231230_162334.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2448" data-original-width="3264" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMx_t_pnUhrolV979P59bcd_-Fmvpbw4j3Xx4oBic66qxq83AZTK5iFH4ur-dxbA5l6fQxkxXyGrLhyjk3ZtV2H8Fh1XOl5ZA3MQX7JwTpPltGpqoOCTP6qKreAbeaWbt1gFrzK3WWZFIv3i8LjQkTXL-UTikvrXZw82QOY3ZFr4IaMOoyLM1PqruL-SwP/s320/20231230_162334.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">They easily shrug off the US defensive fire and overrun the remaining US tanks.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7hqmgRVGlQtMAWBcVExGVbJOxu35MX8JcCPMPEJeoj15KKVP_1dNFZp8rvys33t0b1LpTJ-qxHSie0PbuVhAFMNLKVsXBSLyOOwBmUbbP9NXDutQbNHK8pUt-3W4bsvnX1U_tF6ih_bURcrsh8uLkhJC2VRlJVG2nK2x0ibg7_IfX9BNtpK7PuGqU1-SG/s3264/20231230_163010.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2448" data-original-width="3264" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7hqmgRVGlQtMAWBcVExGVbJOxu35MX8JcCPMPEJeoj15KKVP_1dNFZp8rvys33t0b1LpTJ-qxHSie0PbuVhAFMNLKVsXBSLyOOwBmUbbP9NXDutQbNHK8pUt-3W4bsvnX1U_tF6ih_bURcrsh8uLkhJC2VRlJVG2nK2x0ibg7_IfX9BNtpK7PuGqU1-SG/s320/20231230_163010.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The Jagdpanthers move up to the town, covered by the PG on the hill. The PG in the woods reorg after their successful assault (which left them disorganised). The US defenders are completely surrounded now. Alamo, Alamo!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">It is turn 12, but the random game end roll indicates another turn....</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjL9sFvGz8rkENgk8GHHsKy2ThgXxMo_9g20hgQ8792oAVBcqe3fAOY0Yc-7pag_Fx_VwHx776zeW5T3dG8ASfvkVA1flEEnUdZwbDvqnfUQ68RwSq472xhW5BLG1HwverKRzRxg9dVbhIT3fN1UF9-Ov6oRov-PHdZ1kwTku-xWBVpKJxSIkE4EVFAVmqw/s3264/20231230_163205.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2448" data-original-width="3264" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjL9sFvGz8rkENgk8GHHsKy2ThgXxMo_9g20hgQ8792oAVBcqe3fAOY0Yc-7pag_Fx_VwHx776zeW5T3dG8ASfvkVA1flEEnUdZwbDvqnfUQ68RwSq472xhW5BLG1HwverKRzRxg9dVbhIT3fN1UF9-Ov6oRov-PHdZ1kwTku-xWBVpKJxSIkE4EVFAVmqw/s320/20231230_163205.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">And on turn 13, shot in by almost all the remaining German units, the Jagdpanthers overrun the town.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Oooh, that was so close. If I'd not made the mistakes with the failed assaulting units not retreating, the US would have had that. </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6IxpKJzqL2FZyjXcl0j5hStJ79sKz1PFZ6DsyzAg3tSBeavoQyMouFrTcPDMz1oq7mLpJPnHf2n4vI51x3MfuVJGQwsJEQ44O83RYgnB-xkXDSwKsYfE1ozUrnwFeC7NIAlE9TYx1urmeg4iS6dtn_IaUycciwWXXG-PCuc9f-32stNM9eXgqP-RVis21/s3264/20231230_163512.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2448" data-original-width="3264" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6IxpKJzqL2FZyjXcl0j5hStJ79sKz1PFZ6DsyzAg3tSBeavoQyMouFrTcPDMz1oq7mLpJPnHf2n4vI51x3MfuVJGQwsJEQ44O83RYgnB-xkXDSwKsYfE1ozUrnwFeC7NIAlE9TYx1urmeg4iS6dtn_IaUycciwWXXG-PCuc9f-32stNM9eXgqP-RVis21/s320/20231230_163512.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Final view of the battlefield. The US have been wiped out, but the Germans have also suffered brutally, losing four complete companies and all the remainder with varying degrees of damage.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">That was really hard for the Germans, as most of their units aren't that tough, and every time they exposed anyone to view, the US could drop 4D6 of artillery on them, plus whatever other direct fire assets they had. tbh, the US should win that most of the time.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">One tweak I should do to the scenario is allow the Germans two supply units. They have eight combat units (plus two artillery), so even with two LOG columns, the ratio would be 1:5, whereas the US have a supply ratio of 1:3.5, which is a large advantage in a defensive fight as they can just sit tight and reorg hits off. Like Dom Butgenbach, worth another play through I think, but I'm pleased this One Hour variant works for historical scenarios as well as the standard OHW ones.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><p><br /></p>Martin Rapierhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16788664847205341619noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2410063836503200299.post-21556690595866222332024-02-23T23:56:00.000-08:002024-02-23T23:56:49.280-08:00Sheffield Wargames Society Xmas games day<p> I popped along to the SWS Xmas games day back in December. This has been an annual event for many years, as an alternative to the usual club evening meeting on Wednesdays in the period between Christmas and New Year.</p><p>Now that my regular group almost exclusively game remotely on Tuesday and Wednesdays and get our f2f fix on monthly Fridays, I don't get down to the club much, so it was nice to go along and see some old faces. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7onWKRn3Dam8utrhkFr82uEhzdql4X33nb5NwDZqU1b2fyhk5-qW36KD9ki0hLOnrwo6V8GgoL3nApUPcu3ZCJdM-X7oYxDZhahE3aM0hyUXrda5VXrf9UgMi3vvzhSzEpP9hQ-qeAff4Dg2wNVYC5HezQRWA1Egcx99yFlqGqrr0SQPKpFt-bAnMYfjc/s3264/20231227_165946.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3264" data-original-width="2448" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7onWKRn3Dam8utrhkFr82uEhzdql4X33nb5NwDZqU1b2fyhk5-qW36KD9ki0hLOnrwo6V8GgoL3nApUPcu3ZCJdM-X7oYxDZhahE3aM0hyUXrda5VXrf9UgMi3vvzhSzEpP9hQ-qeAff4Dg2wNVYC5HezQRWA1Egcx99yFlqGqrr0SQPKpFt-bAnMYfjc/s320/20231227_165946.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Andrew, Bish, Lloyd, Graham and Jerry were all taking part in this huge air combat game. Unfortunately it was one of those 'one squadron activates at a time' type of games, so as far as I could tell, most of the players didn't have anything to do most of the time. I've seen the most of the others at Tapton on a number of occasions, but it was nice to see Jerry again.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2EN_b1XWmE3K-q_8rwPnQGp0aiap5yPQTpi9I6wyUB5NP8MxNlST7pw0fcVlTvzGdQUgmiZ5zwaCqxzZN7XCZRR9v_64UmqaqCmLqHp4l00ysvMryrF0KeJtE_1hyP8P5tXohdOwIfHSU3r8dCk8TSAJPTgK24fBqjuIPotSOv0ZXqYrdBpCIxCItC1IC/s3264/20231227_170006.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3264" data-original-width="2448" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2EN_b1XWmE3K-q_8rwPnQGp0aiap5yPQTpi9I6wyUB5NP8MxNlST7pw0fcVlTvzGdQUgmiZ5zwaCqxzZN7XCZRR9v_64UmqaqCmLqHp4l00ysvMryrF0KeJtE_1hyP8P5tXohdOwIfHSU3r8dCk8TSAJPTgK24fBqjuIPotSOv0ZXqYrdBpCIxCItC1IC/s320/20231227_170006.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">There was a huge 6mm Cold War game going on. The club had rented the big hall at the Social Club for this day, so a lot of the games were bigger than usual.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFokJRtTerD2B4Ijm3X9h43z6nFfGw5M6K1eZ6XavM_yArAfhpmXejUdsgQI0ard4zB9iIZ2bBa17e41sRaHAzA2wI12o_HCkGnjylwfIOA85QLQE5OykuZ8Te76gdwxQ2hyphenhyphen5Dgc12fpb5_sTQrq1A4YVneX5K6JmTWy-S68AMfzgp-2NjiIUuHBcpSTxO/s3264/20231227_170020.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2448" data-original-width="3264" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFokJRtTerD2B4Ijm3X9h43z6nFfGw5M6K1eZ6XavM_yArAfhpmXejUdsgQI0ard4zB9iIZ2bBa17e41sRaHAzA2wI12o_HCkGnjylwfIOA85QLQE5OykuZ8Te76gdwxQ2hyphenhyphen5Dgc12fpb5_sTQrq1A4YVneX5K6JmTWy-S68AMfzgp-2NjiIUuHBcpSTxO/s320/20231227_170020.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Russian armour lurking among the hedgerows. I really liked the buildings being used for this.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghnruu3fwwdQc0wMzwSYJKw65qZZZWD7q44Aila_WrVpxqGix3uwxGDaRfgRhw72MpsFmas5T9SKnnZOyWj6fv4aP2fJvYc1OpvOsBHT3oE9O9AssyXErKqMTDn_7kMwDLPCrcWphC29lIkHD158iWfRV3AqlGXbDy3V4NXjtwSuAqRQaSC5l8ZU_DlM_q/s3264/20231227_170037.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3264" data-original-width="2448" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghnruu3fwwdQc0wMzwSYJKw65qZZZWD7q44Aila_WrVpxqGix3uwxGDaRfgRhw72MpsFmas5T9SKnnZOyWj6fv4aP2fJvYc1OpvOsBHT3oE9O9AssyXErKqMTDn_7kMwDLPCrcWphC29lIkHD158iWfRV3AqlGXbDy3V4NXjtwSuAqRQaSC5l8ZU_DlM_q/s320/20231227_170037.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">And another big microarmour game. Also modern. Lots of nice game ng mats in use too, they look so much better than the plain cloths we all used to use. </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicAe8isgGDcQV32hjUbwMSjZz7nmi4A7OJfe2v3xIvLPMGEGsTzW53O-e_mrvtnkGqPM4zmkYl-VdbyNpNQxSGRJuhRGiHh-6Byl_f96IADOWHygb9oWtPGV97yp8MJHjEQ1-QKKz5rKOznE1cPUctKQ790BdfRf5hFOG9Qz8LCxFmSfvQLASsDj66gSv_/s3264/20231227_170049.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3264" data-original-width="2448" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicAe8isgGDcQV32hjUbwMSjZz7nmi4A7OJfe2v3xIvLPMGEGsTzW53O-e_mrvtnkGqPM4zmkYl-VdbyNpNQxSGRJuhRGiHh-6Byl_f96IADOWHygb9oWtPGV97yp8MJHjEQ1-QKKz5rKOznE1cPUctKQ790BdfRf5hFOG9Qz8LCxFmSfvQLASsDj66gSv_/s320/20231227_170049.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Lots of toys lined up. Maybe this is a big year for 6mm?</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEje4DhDfzuTi-jXwMAi9Ml4roAwCgdWmqItHGxY_YyLBRWLm-Mg0iawuWCtM1fhcH0AGR1ThTtYSnUQnL1ovB6pKeNl7RJJkyEJPBzelubAVQWFA4cd-QR3x8CdoIVko2-BTaEqEM5CmGSgjDrH8U4uFlQqFJHW8wIuGWqPROYy0FEQKG8mLnNQLQXqhvaA/s3264/20231227_170057.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3264" data-original-width="2448" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEje4DhDfzuTi-jXwMAi9Ml4roAwCgdWmqItHGxY_YyLBRWLm-Mg0iawuWCtM1fhcH0AGR1ThTtYSnUQnL1ovB6pKeNl7RJJkyEJPBzelubAVQWFA4cd-QR3x8CdoIVko2-BTaEqEM5CmGSgjDrH8U4uFlQqFJHW8wIuGWqPROYy0FEQKG8mLnNQLQXqhvaA/s320/20231227_170057.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">There was also this big Horse and Musket game - Napoleonic, SYW? I couldn't really tell as it was quite small scale, although I did see some Austrian flags. </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVZddbcYbTTHfoBW8AvFAy3jlVOLuHQlYnwHNHd9qOLPibf8njYmpbVJET4FFuKxvTUj2kzSc-cvKTjXtQ7QCdIGKmjIQIgVfSjOJZkvFA4TsDCWm3PajwGHuDNLWQR3ab38zWUFx9tKjLz3AqtJe0nALDy8pTJtpmct0EEBnhmEuRpaOfwxEjlOl107OR/s3264/20231227_170108.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2448" data-original-width="3264" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVZddbcYbTTHfoBW8AvFAy3jlVOLuHQlYnwHNHd9qOLPibf8njYmpbVJET4FFuKxvTUj2kzSc-cvKTjXtQ7QCdIGKmjIQIgVfSjOJZkvFA4TsDCWm3PajwGHuDNLWQR3ab38zWUFx9tKjLz3AqtJe0nALDy8pTJtpmct0EEBnhmEuRpaOfwxEjlOl107OR/s320/20231227_170108.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The massed units looked pretty good.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidNBCJ5NLbYtD8EJfjMAQ_-tV29Oj2XxCK3wjYN2qhSb-L41XNWp_X0qdDcwO-3641jElxhK_oeSvG6Hl0PkYyuInzzwlO9i4Axrp40qzXbJ7cg6IrywAXpSFGVIZ7risN4-ORNndEmlGdKSRtwGLFkyBYzWKaHQhUzL0oIogrzIP8KmvDJwmqtUF6fi9Z/s3264/20231227_155920.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2448" data-original-width="3264" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidNBCJ5NLbYtD8EJfjMAQ_-tV29Oj2XxCK3wjYN2qhSb-L41XNWp_X0qdDcwO-3641jElxhK_oeSvG6Hl0PkYyuInzzwlO9i4Axrp40qzXbJ7cg6IrywAXpSFGVIZ7risN4-ORNndEmlGdKSRtwGLFkyBYzWKaHQhUzL0oIogrzIP8KmvDJwmqtUF6fi9Z/s320/20231227_155920.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">John and I met up to try something a bit less ambitious, another playtest of my One Hour Napoleonic variant. Wavre again as it is a manageable scenario, with quite a lot going on.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYF0_4O51uvDQlWEd3TDeCDObgXSZSoaMM-WUbQbK20LtgCCJkFiR5ozcVos-BAYK29Te9Py4ZN6WbN9txvTA0PFV1mKxsNIsRZxZx9aFRLBEpaFpm-EFGqnTIHuK_YyJ_Qbn30ui3ZFarHDsAwb5Ju0atELQ1yX8Su2tCh2tC5QFBvLh2Iibg0zZdmjuY/s3264/20231227_161323.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2448" data-original-width="3264" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYF0_4O51uvDQlWEd3TDeCDObgXSZSoaMM-WUbQbK20LtgCCJkFiR5ozcVos-BAYK29Te9Py4ZN6WbN9txvTA0PFV1mKxsNIsRZxZx9aFRLBEpaFpm-EFGqnTIHuK_YyJ_Qbn30ui3ZFarHDsAwb5Ju0atELQ1yX8Su2tCh2tC5QFBvLh2Iibg0zZdmjuY/s320/20231227_161323.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">As before, the French (John) got over the Dyle at Limale and flanked the main Prussian rearguard in Wavre. The Prussian cavalry are poised to launch a desperate counterattack against Vandammes hordes. Grouchy is watching from the hill to the right. We were done in a couple of hours, including setup takedown chatting and a bit of light browsing of the Bring and Buy.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">A very enjoyable afternoon, and even if I don't go to the weekday sessions anymore, I'll at least try and keep going to this once a year.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><p><br /></p>Martin Rapierhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16788664847205341619noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2410063836503200299.post-21886265026438633782024-02-22T00:45:00.000-08:002024-02-22T00:45:36.608-08:0015mm BPM Kubelwagen<p> I do have a few (grey) Kublewagens already, but wanted a sand coloured one for DAK. All very Airfix Recce Set. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFSZnJqR0MV1sqw9lzsi73409nf9xRW-FIptqJjteC3k6Y9_FhK_d5m-6_cCpuQOSCE9i6I10yxvdrq2jCD2I-B0Wp8CC_grKTm00rGEFw_SFzRXqLuOpxSajAox4oZpY0IYlFyG_ZTYpsW80GOg1PMw4dKzaLIcHJLq2egYFHFKQMDC4uAOqRBKwgKf5K/s3264/20230915_134156.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2448" data-original-width="3264" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFSZnJqR0MV1sqw9lzsi73409nf9xRW-FIptqJjteC3k6Y9_FhK_d5m-6_cCpuQOSCE9i6I10yxvdrq2jCD2I-B0Wp8CC_grKTm00rGEFw_SFzRXqLuOpxSajAox4oZpY0IYlFyG_ZTYpsW80GOg1PMw4dKzaLIcHJLq2egYFHFKQMDC4uAOqRBKwgKf5K/s320/20230915_134156.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">This is the BPM offering in APL. tbh it is a bit crude, particularly the lines on the sides of the body, but OK for the price.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjF6sUvn6py3Jcn1y-h0m7mFnTzkDn__ho_Q-1d5bfTASumizkZlevQKRw78JyNxbyP80RdYXOgWkq0j-RyTVJysM21fEyk6M8Y0HpCg6ACtLgR3Clfe1hyq-tdJR3KSXSvKqKd_RRYI5vpCDnAfAbw-8i5DIK3WofInOWzI2Y7jqHEtnEcMhDCv-VQE-mT/s3264/20230915_134204.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2448" data-original-width="3264" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjF6sUvn6py3Jcn1y-h0m7mFnTzkDn__ho_Q-1d5bfTASumizkZlevQKRw78JyNxbyP80RdYXOgWkq0j-RyTVJysM21fEyk6M8Y0HpCg6ACtLgR3Clfe1hyq-tdJR3KSXSvKqKd_RRYI5vpCDnAfAbw-8i5DIK3WofInOWzI2Y7jqHEtnEcMhDCv-VQE-mT/s320/20230915_134204.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The wheel on the bonnet is nicely done though, much better than my PP Kubelwagens.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSkJDk2vqCC9l4wULSdjk3nt4m8O9vki_PiUv3oCYP2ZUQQQB-GzJcIt1mUTXK-VQquXhsJtwAdavzkMOIqrlvDdF71f25RZKtXT5z4HUTIYR1aVc_JiBEyowKPzPj8SYadF4SI0L5_GRaFuamqje9YnN08bql7rMUbq0wgdd_6qhnzXhq3WScsBcdA07T/s3264/20230915_134210.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2448" data-original-width="3264" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSkJDk2vqCC9l4wULSdjk3nt4m8O9vki_PiUv3oCYP2ZUQQQB-GzJcIt1mUTXK-VQquXhsJtwAdavzkMOIqrlvDdF71f25RZKtXT5z4HUTIYR1aVc_JiBEyowKPzPj8SYadF4SI0L5_GRaFuamqje9YnN08bql7rMUbq0wgdd_6qhnzXhq3WScsBcdA07T/s320/20230915_134210.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">As ever with 3D prints, no crew included, but it is crying out for some figures in it. The interior detail is actually quite good, and the rear number plate stands out too (I painted it white and scrawled on a Heer numberplate with my 0.05mm micron pen).</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXffbfndZiHOwGoJpRr_rCGsD49AdqUXEOAIvmlp56oUKYnY0aCMhC5V_r4I4B0Nd23l7PHci0-JbXMzi61B-uqO9uBxZXRbLsEpXu2UF2y8hs7YKpTHStaJeskhCK_qUWu2hbKcqjUKHXGWjUX65M7erWDQ4c0gUGTWIBeo-uST4voHDk67lCz9flHuy2/s3264/20230915_134216.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2448" data-original-width="3264" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXffbfndZiHOwGoJpRr_rCGsD49AdqUXEOAIvmlp56oUKYnY0aCMhC5V_r4I4B0Nd23l7PHci0-JbXMzi61B-uqO9uBxZXRbLsEpXu2UF2y8hs7YKpTHStaJeskhCK_qUWu2hbKcqjUKHXGWjUX65M7erWDQ4c0gUGTWIBeo-uST4voHDk67lCz9flHuy2/s320/20230915_134216.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">You can see it looks a bit rough from the side, but OK. I'll probably re-paint one of my grey ones in sand to go with it, and I've also got an old staff car in need of a repaint. The Germans used quite a few light cars, so they will all be useful additions.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><p><br /></p>Martin Rapierhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16788664847205341619noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2410063836503200299.post-31120972413051935492024-02-19T23:49:00.000-08:002024-02-19T23:49:22.041-08:0015mm Desert Pocket Armies - German stage two<p> As with the British desert stuff, I rather bit off more than I could chew to paint in one go with the Germans , so I left some more stuff to do later. These were mainly more vehicles, but in the end I worked out how much extra German infantry I'd need and added those into the mix too.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsmFCExX2aSfXZH8nkRcfd62YH6vDglhtWZyxSinmb0ctdTmYvzntUbr_nzut8ldECwxVc9qacLlUEwlZnVxSbML8K_Ml58FSZy9WkO7UlI7RMHtdCIZDU5ya6qyCRToAJi3AP703pNADjnnONTamfYglz5NB-WeYhC1IeBsBwHdLGWnFuIRVQqanreMp8/s3264/20231024_125400.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2448" data-original-width="3264" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsmFCExX2aSfXZH8nkRcfd62YH6vDglhtWZyxSinmb0ctdTmYvzntUbr_nzut8ldECwxVc9qacLlUEwlZnVxSbML8K_Ml58FSZy9WkO7UlI7RMHtdCIZDU5ya6qyCRToAJi3AP703pNADjnnONTamfYglz5NB-WeYhC1IeBsBwHdLGWnFuIRVQqanreMp8/s320/20231024_125400.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Got there in the end. I found this lot hard to get finished as I'd had Covid for a few weeks and didn't have much energy. The brain fog went on a while with the latest infection. Ugh. Horrible disease. </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgg4gqL-Vo4OxTnGCoySrlr6dzQ2IOmAqG5pDetj1vXghguau0o0UVdfYlDwUssJhwwrPs1hvcbw2ol7A1oed7KjurO6QzE86QEUC5auM8xIxJJvUkgT7nB7A9FJyq7RmR7UbUq_T3mgVwgP6e4fUflKv4NcRd1kucfAweIwSfnc7iWT1nMsLuyztMNU9UP/s3264/20231024_125421.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2448" data-original-width="3264" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgg4gqL-Vo4OxTnGCoySrlr6dzQ2IOmAqG5pDetj1vXghguau0o0UVdfYlDwUssJhwwrPs1hvcbw2ol7A1oed7KjurO6QzE86QEUC5auM8xIxJJvUkgT7nB7A9FJyq7RmR7UbUq_T3mgVwgP6e4fUflKv4NcRd1kucfAweIwSfnc7iWT1nMsLuyztMNU9UP/s320/20231024_125421.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">A couple more trucks, the tilts are removable on these ones.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijrLLOHZ81ad2gsljEW_NDSngEoURLbwwZXqIn9C2HpVYfuJLnBZ4PdOnU6Mu3HwnbOdHQaxgt-2FAr9pJBD921NP3i2rRN8dD3VgVxfHpaaSnyt9wlyvi6lk5JesZSkfReybb2JJ0cmC1M-C0UGpZJZfD-PUjyBXsiUkQaU0OYLWQDbrgD4acnSkqIMHE/s3264/20231024_125447.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2448" data-original-width="3264" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijrLLOHZ81ad2gsljEW_NDSngEoURLbwwZXqIn9C2HpVYfuJLnBZ4PdOnU6Mu3HwnbOdHQaxgt-2FAr9pJBD921NP3i2rRN8dD3VgVxfHpaaSnyt9wlyvi6lk5JesZSkfReybb2JJ0cmC1M-C0UGpZJZfD-PUjyBXsiUkQaU0OYLWQDbrgD4acnSkqIMHE/s320/20231024_125447.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Two more infantry 'companies' of three bases each. These are all from stuff I had spare and are a mix of Peter Pig DAK and late war German infantry, and a fair number of PSC early war German infantry too. I found a big box of spare PSC Germans in the loft...</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxJRzYpKYLsWLrsjl6QO1tWtlWPms7F_BhmGVMCqpo11JYrYvWK2V2entlivo6ZSEK8G8NXlgpkO5p6pigv16WbcLFoDYps09hNmStuT7VL7PKVEHEksdiA3vhjKFr2G5YkjbXIrv5TwKmSUTpVxk2sQ7plD1qy4yni1PJ5x7YyK-SlSY_yXtmBQTIOsAc/s3264/20231024_125534.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2448" data-original-width="3264" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxJRzYpKYLsWLrsjl6QO1tWtlWPms7F_BhmGVMCqpo11JYrYvWK2V2entlivo6ZSEK8G8NXlgpkO5p6pigv16WbcLFoDYps09hNmStuT7VL7PKVEHEksdiA3vhjKFr2G5YkjbXIrv5TwKmSUTpVxk2sQ7plD1qy4yni1PJ5x7YyK-SlSY_yXtmBQTIOsAc/s320/20231024_125534.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Various support items. More MG teams, a PSC 75mm Infantry Gun (yes, I have some of those spare too), plus a 50mm mortar, anti-tank rifle and another engineer team, this time with a flamethrower. This lot are all PSC early war infantry painted as DAK. It really is a big box of spare stuff. </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEior72rWIjIh_9aTRUHGFXvo0VVVNOSg2a45dsqBcaLCUwFJ-EYoAXDF4BgcKV42I-qv1POGMHtg2_tr6qE4WjaDP_Lel5wAYi3kDiX1mi6IJmkNXU8duoIRvdlvqNKQnpJRN_YLVh_osgEgPJB5k1BTS15r42M3446ppVhWC47QkNyLkASUbQDazEVg97n/s3264/20231024_125617.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2448" data-original-width="3264" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEior72rWIjIh_9aTRUHGFXvo0VVVNOSg2a45dsqBcaLCUwFJ-EYoAXDF4BgcKV42I-qv1POGMHtg2_tr6qE4WjaDP_Lel5wAYi3kDiX1mi6IJmkNXU8duoIRvdlvqNKQnpJRN_YLVh_osgEgPJB5k1BTS15r42M3446ppVhWC47QkNyLkASUbQDazEVg97n/s320/20231024_125617.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Some more individual figures to be leaders, FOO etc. If I ever play Crossfire with these figures, they will need PCs and single figures are useful for all sorts of stuff in general. These are largely repurposed from my late war German infantry, for whom I have far too many leader types.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3PvkyehNj-yvOe54DNJ_S6tLNB7Zx_8FuBEywZuH9ZCt6N8sqNFoeynpvtV93Ia5pFzvCo-rtlGZlkqEHZ14ovuG7MlKmDztg0KFa3_IWdhDcZMLeErcEkCWJAeOfR-DBUXSJhaLntXv6wNehgDrxmYVxrpUpCuayoYW7ZW8ofWVfzkoUfXjxvsazz0Ph/s3264/20231024_125647.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2448" data-original-width="3264" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3PvkyehNj-yvOe54DNJ_S6tLNB7Zx_8FuBEywZuH9ZCt6N8sqNFoeynpvtV93Ia5pFzvCo-rtlGZlkqEHZ14ovuG7MlKmDztg0KFa3_IWdhDcZMLeErcEkCWJAeOfR-DBUXSJhaLntXv6wNehgDrxmYVxrpUpCuayoYW7ZW8ofWVfzkoUfXjxvsazz0Ph/s320/20231024_125647.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">And one or two more tanks! I'll do a seperate post on these. Yes, these are also all different colours, and the Zvezda Pz IVD has mysteriously become a PzIVE.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><p><br /></p>Martin Rapierhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16788664847205341619noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2410063836503200299.post-38571097411319519682024-02-17T00:01:00.000-08:002024-02-17T00:01:00.170-08:001067<p> We finally got around to doing the 1067 follow up to Johns 1066 Matrix Game <a href="https://tgamesweplay.blogspot.com/2023/11/1066-and-all-that.html">https://tgamesweplay.blogspot.com/2023/11/1066-and-all-that.html</a> which we played a few months ago.</p><p>A brief recap - the Norse invasion of Northumbria was thwarted at Stamford Bridge, killing Tostig in the process, by the great northern heroes Morcar and Edwin assisted by King Harold. Harold then went on the beat William of Normandy at Hastings, who retired to the church to consider his misdeeds.</p><p>Mislead by his advisors, King Harold then appointed William as Earl of Northumberland, displacing the brave, loyal, popular and handsome Morcar who retired to Bebbanburg to mull his grievances. I really can't think why Harold would p nish Morcar, although the non-appearance of the Northern Earls at Hastings may have had something to do with it! </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJSP4yIgmeOxRVqVVbkRjxIsj7pNUPb0S8gFQ9PQdRR2n6shKprA8y_uOOPN3RLoAxfuGlXRZwtnCdUaCZsKdE-kwWRvIBCeEX9nm2fkZzJioZpQom_5ofekgXBWn43XVbtMDYRhje6AoqLaBC7eT2xWA-EPwceaJI_S9UEmF53CLqYs-TBVn5BwUeuke5/s3264/20231205_194535.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3264" data-original-width="2448" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJSP4yIgmeOxRVqVVbkRjxIsj7pNUPb0S8gFQ9PQdRR2n6shKprA8y_uOOPN3RLoAxfuGlXRZwtnCdUaCZsKdE-kwWRvIBCeEX9nm2fkZzJioZpQom_5ofekgXBWn43XVbtMDYRhje6AoqLaBC7eT2xWA-EPwceaJI_S9UEmF53CLqYs-TBVn5BwUeuke5/s320/20231205_194535.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Anyway, it is January 1067. Danes and Norsemen (Russell) are once more wondering how to spend the next campaigning season, King Harold (John) is in his castle, William (Pete) is in Jorvik, while heroic Morcar (me) lurks in Bebbanburg. Up north, King Malcolm (Tim) is wondering how best to exploit his victory over the usurper Macbeth.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXpNEiMnPYnT7gFrqaGWsSMnwtGB5eY4DaDynPVCbPU9IN69ljHrrBJ3INC8rxSFYrzWkBWuT-h1gqrJ9GUCJa8Pjipj6uZ9dGPJCV9BNvu1U41EkPcpnocSW58whyphenhyphenKvliwd3iM62jJSNjt1gqdZbZwMZ41QpMKttIpOgQ1uLCmKNP8PTAM0dDusRbsBVh/s3264/20231205_201045.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3264" data-original-width="2448" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXpNEiMnPYnT7gFrqaGWsSMnwtGB5eY4DaDynPVCbPU9IN69ljHrrBJ3INC8rxSFYrzWkBWuT-h1gqrJ9GUCJa8Pjipj6uZ9dGPJCV9BNvu1U41EkPcpnocSW58whyphenhyphenKvliwd3iM62jJSNjt1gqdZbZwMZ41QpMKttIpOgQ1uLCmKNP8PTAM0dDusRbsBVh/s320/20231205_201045.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Much happens in Spring 1067. Malcolm raises and army, Harold hires some Irish mercenaries, King Svein of Denmark also raises an army. In the north, Duke William ravages the land, siezing goods and chattels in the name of the church. The world is turned upside down, and the Laidley Worm stalks the northlands.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Only a true Northumbrian hero can beat the Dragon, so Morcar goes on a holy quest to rid the land of the beast.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The Danes take advantage of the kerfuffle to land an Army at Goole, claiming to be merely establishing a Herring importation business. </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPaSvLclpxHXvOALeup02hSQUdKyh8euLyeqBaQgrBP2gZ45gJcTKz3hd42FObnLQToASnxSKG4H1wlm_Eop97diI4D0io0BXBMj4iZLEiQmJR70LLnJMsvj7w2-C8zPEiGFMPqVKy40Nb5z1P-DucapqevM0ndCNLTAd2vJS5TJcsjaG3Q3NekCEX43Tc/s3264/20231205_202317.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3264" data-original-width="2448" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPaSvLclpxHXvOALeup02hSQUdKyh8euLyeqBaQgrBP2gZ45gJcTKz3hd42FObnLQToASnxSKG4H1wlm_Eop97diI4D0io0BXBMj4iZLEiQmJR70LLnJMsvj7w2-C8zPEiGFMPqVKy40Nb5z1P-DucapqevM0ndCNLTAd2vJS5TJcsjaG3Q3NekCEX43Tc/s320/20231205_202317.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">This provokes a pretty impressive response. Edwin raised the Mercian Fyrd, William raises (some) of the Northumbrian Fyrd - they don't quite know who their boss is yet, and Morcar drives the Dragon to the borders of Scotland before riding south.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The Anglo Saxons unite under Harold and launch a massive attack on the Danes. Morcar is at the forefront of the fighting, keen to prove his valour and loyalty to the King, despite the injustice done to him by fickle Harold. Just as Morcars forbear, Uhtred Ragnusson had tussles with Aelfred 'The Great' (or sly, devious and cunning, as Uhtred would have it).</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPTmrTJsOF_oCvZlvgVwbkekVTL1QBckt8-vIST6wP77nkAEKd57e0xavfGiaJetMEIO2IAVcu7iso8i9w3VMjj5KCjQk_8QhCOGomm807JLXiybrKVcf-HjJqYPKnoy0PgnjAOPxT4qB5Y7NG5Sdd2ekfH5XW2ZafaZUiBtuWRN2qYI5aGzSeqQW2j_F6/s3264/20231206_194529.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2448" data-original-width="3264" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPTmrTJsOF_oCvZlvgVwbkekVTL1QBckt8-vIST6wP77nkAEKd57e0xavfGiaJetMEIO2IAVcu7iso8i9w3VMjj5KCjQk_8QhCOGomm807JLXiybrKVcf-HjJqYPKnoy0PgnjAOPxT4qB5Y7NG5Sdd2ekfH5XW2ZafaZUiBtuWRN2qYI5aGzSeqQW2j_F6/s320/20231206_194529.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The Danes were sent packing in short order, and set off on a long voyage around the north coast of Scotland. Malcolm meanwhile had commissioned a very exciting and bloodthirsty play about the downfall of King Macbeth.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Morcar went Dragon slaying once more, and William pronounced Morcar in league with the devil and had him ex-communicated! This is all very unfair.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhz2iLvafPGn_uJ9dodFmzC9FHJjT_eegTLQQoR17J2cjx2IyEgr3Me-UbSoJbta17bO8u4YPjHuEbs2FLOK-Eo-ps6o5KsUKzCxRLX18Fik2orkvS14aRg0B5wTIxCsZ4ALBrBj7swUNbLSE7eEHvSQCvMIxqI9PWsCqSYsAfH-cU2CyL4ufWyT4OaKONg/s3264/20231206_201720.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2448" data-original-width="3264" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhz2iLvafPGn_uJ9dodFmzC9FHJjT_eegTLQQoR17J2cjx2IyEgr3Me-UbSoJbta17bO8u4YPjHuEbs2FLOK-Eo-ps6o5KsUKzCxRLX18Fik2orkvS14aRg0B5wTIxCsZ4ALBrBj7swUNbLSE7eEHvSQCvMIxqI9PWsCqSYsAfH-cU2CyL4ufWyT4OaKONg/s320/20231206_201720.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">All was not lost however. Morcar finally slew the beast just as the wicked Danes landed in Wales. Harold came to his senses and appointed Morcar Earl of Wales, so the national hero rode west along with his brother Edwin. Once more the brothers saw off the Danish threat and the Morcar Dragonslayer had once again saved the Kingdom for Harold. Hurrah! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">William meanwhile returned to looting the north, a venal, cowardly and despised figure. Once a Viking, always a Viking I guess. Harold was secure on his throne, and the Anglo-Saxon realm was preserved. Meanwhile Malcolm had come up with some very jolly sagas about himself, and the Danes had happily set up a flourishing Herring business in Ireland.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">That was loads of fun, and we rattled through it very quickly using Johns new streamlined argument resolution system (where players can support/oppose other players arguments). With Harold firmly settled on the throne, who knows what the future will bring for Englaland. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><p><br /></p>Martin Rapierhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16788664847205341619noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2410063836503200299.post-40362521756569656882024-02-14T23:54:00.000-08:002024-02-14T23:54:00.525-08:0015mm QRF Stuarts<p> Along with the Crusaders, I wanted some Stuarts for my British. They saw action as an integrated unit (4th Armoured Brigade) during Operation Crusader, and then hung around in diminishing numbers in the various mixed Regimental organisations right beyond Alamein.</p><p>Reliable, fast and with a 37mm gun which could actually penetrate the hull front of a Pz IIIh (unlike the 2pdr), it was a 'Honey'. Its only real drawback was its short operational range. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIZUyfHyvsXq1gjvBYZ--AZGGigB9TycEj19J4z_fr573luU8fqwIgryFlVc9JXNdmYEMWHBSUhk0CnAU8eLImUvA8nZlP8Clssbjo-d9ZmsRkwgPFhUf6S1fZ7dUQLYmdGCY9Ale1dpzIlWty8Ulprw-Q4wA9dxYTw-Yig6YWJ-CGeqhF9Q2Xv4gdT6hN/s3264/20230915_132306.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2448" data-original-width="3264" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIZUyfHyvsXq1gjvBYZ--AZGGigB9TycEj19J4z_fr573luU8fqwIgryFlVc9JXNdmYEMWHBSUhk0CnAU8eLImUvA8nZlP8Clssbjo-d9ZmsRkwgPFhUf6S1fZ7dUQLYmdGCY9Ale1dpzIlWty8Ulprw-Q4wA9dxYTw-Yig6YWJ-CGeqhF9Q2Xv4gdT6hN/s320/20230915_132306.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I got four Stuarts, three of them as part of the 'phase one' purchases and then another one as part of a follow up. I dimly recalled I needed four Stuarts for some of the scenarios I had in stock.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I already have some ancient (20 year old) QRF M3 Stuarts, and these models have certainly been re-designed since then. My old ones are quite crude, whereas these have separate tracks/suspension assemblies, separate turret hatches (hooray!), separate storage boxes for the rear fenders and even optional fuel tanks. Unfortunately they come with .50 cal AAMGs rather than the .30 cals which were more common, but hey ho.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiHuYxfy8oqnY0dGJ3tHEb36meQFZuREOnuUIu01_HMd70AUTUbCAhHuvd56zjMPzuyAguk9xk59vkOQyPBdz5aCNzKeUsPK8Yq-a0SR6uw8IeBgswupn0WAk3dgWsTgL9pCVRPaeTye4_HkB4qm4J6HloIpHNHu6UqiRkcuu2Fx0fJ7X4FyZp5u96am51/s3264/20230915_132332.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2448" data-original-width="3264" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiHuYxfy8oqnY0dGJ3tHEb36meQFZuREOnuUIu01_HMd70AUTUbCAhHuvd56zjMPzuyAguk9xk59vkOQyPBdz5aCNzKeUsPK8Yq-a0SR6uw8IeBgswupn0WAk3dgWsTgL9pCVRPaeTye4_HkB4qm4J6HloIpHNHu6UqiRkcuu2Fx0fJ7X4FyZp5u96am51/s320/20230915_132332.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">These are much better models than my old M3s, with lots of nice raised detail. The track units are quite thin and a couple of them had snapped while being shipped, but not irretrievably so. I added a PSC tank commander to this one.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_mTp3qRkFMEx_jBows1ek97CUMSuxXvjAzaYB2PPjtzy4uOXJ9SxEXCpvJU8uANbxGRd-eHQFS8Pr6LWhpmQjLqEgZHDwGWIOIZxtgxKG4TXwDg5YM1Bf2QIJvBWV6ZPqCjCCy8Bc-78FdQ9evHNT-5fXjXU2u1TncQz46BSyh5c7LkMiX8rLhwrBextO/s3264/20230915_132342.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2448" data-original-width="3264" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_mTp3qRkFMEx_jBows1ek97CUMSuxXvjAzaYB2PPjtzy4uOXJ9SxEXCpvJU8uANbxGRd-eHQFS8Pr6LWhpmQjLqEgZHDwGWIOIZxtgxKG4TXwDg5YM1Bf2QIJvBWV6ZPqCjCCy8Bc-78FdQ9evHNT-5fXjXU2u1TncQz46BSyh5c7LkMiX8rLhwrBextO/s320/20230915_132342.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Nice sharp lines which pick up a drybrush well. There are some tools moulded on the engine deck rear too.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMwXK0gQ4_nV6GfkfN_nP07826DCiJ8gFnTFXAykcclc1tNFCcIhxItefHNlTBipwrXnKVkr0j3BT__-BnCzQek1m0KtWNewx4QdxncSR7F1GcPKjj-L10rO7jBYfe1OibFe1FVCS205z6yRHkXPpXL0nb9O3plB4o0S6rZHB51VCSi0RlKR7Hp7YTgAzi/s3264/20230915_132350.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2448" data-original-width="3264" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMwXK0gQ4_nV6GfkfN_nP07826DCiJ8gFnTFXAykcclc1tNFCcIhxItefHNlTBipwrXnKVkr0j3BT__-BnCzQek1m0KtWNewx4QdxncSR7F1GcPKjj-L10rO7jBYfe1OibFe1FVCS205z6yRHkXPpXL0nb9O3plB4o0S6rZHB51VCSi0RlKR7Hp7YTgAzi/s320/20230915_132350.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">It 'sits' very well too, and looks like a sleek, fast tank.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiswGa0ubVvt1s3tS6eQvpIE7mU8Sme0e8Q8uSwEkLFOdUR21dW_tnsBY23HDIjW5mCP_jGxiN3iFZRHQPXfwDxgb15kA_N1DJnDmfrWHbbSffTDDOwbNz7KBHHMQwCvb6IokQYzIjKGYhBR8NKCfW9fjEGqheorexMdkJEO5Kw7mK_E3PeAukFFvSG_azv/s3264/20230915_132412.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2448" data-original-width="3264" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiswGa0ubVvt1s3tS6eQvpIE7mU8Sme0e8Q8uSwEkLFOdUR21dW_tnsBY23HDIjW5mCP_jGxiN3iFZRHQPXfwDxgb15kA_N1DJnDmfrWHbbSffTDDOwbNz7KBHHMQwCvb6IokQYzIjKGYhBR8NKCfW9fjEGqheorexMdkJEO5Kw7mK_E3PeAukFFvSG_azv/s320/20230915_132412.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Observant readers will have noticed I have done them all in variations of Caunter. I spent quite a while researching Stuart colour schemes, and while my 6mm ones are plain sand, it seems that many of the earlier shipped ones were camouflaged in various varieties. Frank Chadwick lists some of the specific colour combinations used by particular regiments, and I did this two in sand/smoke grey/dark green, which also seems to be a popular choice with 1/35th scale modellers. As it is quite a striking scheme, I went very light on the Crusader Stripes, just some on the hull front of one of the tanks.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">One of this pair also has a pair of the jettiosonable fuel tanks mounted. It took ages to find a photo of these in situ, so they obviously weren't that common, but hilariously I actually found one in the the 'Airfix Guide to US Tanks'.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxxD5PdCkl-DQjD7hyYzyTy9-nNQDr5C2dXThyvOLotplMkvVDuMiC6vyTKHztRrTKdyT6FBwjoo3CIjOm9zh5GDSKWWNTVXnIg0EosRQfk0sss3p08VBghGLPsqJfVUkW0hCCsKWAMMSD3UZY20kOX_cIR_oAcGIZAKP3pZnRbGwgBHhzSth8_iAOXiZm/s3264/20230915_132432.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2448" data-original-width="3264" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxxD5PdCkl-DQjD7hyYzyTy9-nNQDr5C2dXThyvOLotplMkvVDuMiC6vyTKHztRrTKdyT6FBwjoo3CIjOm9zh5GDSKWWNTVXnIg0EosRQfk0sss3p08VBghGLPsqJfVUkW0hCCsKWAMMSD3UZY20kOX_cIR_oAcGIZAKP3pZnRbGwgBHhzSth8_iAOXiZm/s320/20230915_132432.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Caunter was being increasingly simplified or not used by mid/late 41 and many Stuarts were done in just a simple two colour scheme, in this case sand/smoke grey/sand. I gave these two prominent Crusader Stripes on the turret as they look rather smart.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">In all cases the supplied AAMGs had stupidly long mounting poles, so I chopped them right back so they sit on the rear of the commanders cupola. I should probably have cut the barrels back too so they look more like .30 cals, but didn't bother.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Overall the paint scheme was light stone over a grey undercoat, and inkwash, a heavy drybrush of light stone again and then very careful application of the camo. It is very hard painting straight lines. I went light to dark, so on the three colour tanks I did the smoke grey first, then finished off with the dark green. The whole thing got a light drybrush of pale sand which picked up the highlights and toned down the camo a bit, as the real paint tended to fade and get abraded by sand anyway.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><p><br /></p>Martin Rapierhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16788664847205341619noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2410063836503200299.post-25876556791683693952024-02-13T00:30:00.000-08:002024-02-13T00:30:51.975-08:00Against the Odds<p> John A lent me this book recently, 'Against the Odds' by John Stieber. </p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQOuJjA_wTMbqMQBS8JLncI9Am_sSVXu05A2_732_fHLv9Ioo-LAOukhxEF1Pnyeu_DDfXyQuNau6Q7D1E4NI9LpsF2BxQh-wjvuLbeEib2A4I0d5SbPR4XcAKi3buGYvNUzsmRW3IClUcmqV2xhwYY-fbgDa7JLCus-fNx4Db6vB7HO62RT-vaIiRpRzj/s3264/20240111_151957.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3264" data-original-width="2448" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQOuJjA_wTMbqMQBS8JLncI9Am_sSVXu05A2_732_fHLv9Ioo-LAOukhxEF1Pnyeu_DDfXyQuNau6Q7D1E4NI9LpsF2BxQh-wjvuLbeEib2A4I0d5SbPR4XcAKi3buGYvNUzsmRW3IClUcmqV2xhwYY-fbgDa7JLCus-fNx4Db6vB7HO62RT-vaIiRpRzj/s320/20240111_151957.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Now, while there are plenty of WW2 German Generals and officers memoirs, there aren't too many from an ORs point of view.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Stieber was raised in the UK and Ireland but was at boarding school in Germany when war broke out, and as his father was Austrian, rather than being interned he went through the usual route for German children - Jungvolk, Hitler Jugend, then while he was still at school, serving in a Flak battery overnight as a Flakhelferin in 1943 then drafted into the RAD in 1944. After his mandatory labour service he was drafted into the Army, but as he didn't want to be conscripted into the SS, he'd already applied to FJ Panzer Division Herman Goering. He was accepted and served there as a Flak gunner on SP 20mm and 37mm guns until the end of the war on the Eastern Front, while the HG Division expanded to a full Panzer Corps and fought a series of desperate defensive actions against the various Russian offensives.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The account of both his upbringing and wartime experiences are fascinating, and I don't want to spoil it for other readers. One thing which struck me was how resiliant units were, in contrast to our wargames - in one incident his battery was loaded onto trains but caught and strafed for an hour by Sturmoviks. The train was utterly destroyed, all the ammunition wagons exploded etc, but their total casualties were one man killed, and a number with minor shrapnel wounds. Even more astonishing was that all 12 SP guns (I think they were Sdkfz 251/17s, armoured SP 20mm at any rate) were driveable and only had minor damage. All were fully operational again within a few hours. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">They operated the same SP gun for months, until it was eventually knocked out by a Russian tank in early 1945 while operating against ground targets. One of his biggest complaints about the halftracks was how cold it was standing in an open topped steel box in Silesia in January! But it was better than walking.... </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Anyway, there is more in this vein. Highly recommended, and I'd say better written than 'The Forgotten Soldier'. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><p><br /></p>Martin Rapierhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16788664847205341619noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2410063836503200299.post-32616803258399719752024-02-09T23:33:00.000-08:002024-02-09T23:33:24.113-08:00Halfaya Pass - two more times<p> For the afternoon session at Tapton I set up the Halfaya Pass Memoir 44 scenario. I'd solo played this a few weeks before. This covers the attack on the pass which took place in April 1941 as part of Operation Battleaxe. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNLFfYn1g1rXVwEVhumDJ30IMZG0ghZlkeZlZYQQyTDCw2nf0oj2sf8A4igL7YFftZBP4Ryq1-wzHrCpDCRxGlLT1uwY2LFWSCsheUulhNNf9_BpS2PQwqSbvHLHmmKCmZCmEvY67rs7Mc8tJFWtDGF5MlR6NPyaMyY162f_-R_lzZToPWbjWz6Afbr3sa/s3264/20231215_133114.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3264" data-original-width="2448" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNLFfYn1g1rXVwEVhumDJ30IMZG0ghZlkeZlZYQQyTDCw2nf0oj2sf8A4igL7YFftZBP4Ryq1-wzHrCpDCRxGlLT1uwY2LFWSCsheUulhNNf9_BpS2PQwqSbvHLHmmKCmZCmEvY67rs7Mc8tJFWtDGF5MlR6NPyaMyY162f_-R_lzZToPWbjWz6Afbr3sa/s320/20231215_133114.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The pass is defended by a mixed Italian /German force of infantry, artillery and anti tank guns dig in and protected by minefields and wire, with some tanks in reserve. The hills are steep, so units stop on entering them. I use 'flat' hills for the terrain here, when other people are handling the toys, it makes it less likely the models will slide off. </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHBo0AlUI2_c1vK4xuSTQ6NUOrAiwde62MXRL4aOplYyfQf0nGZ1oL85W5w8cG7IuQXQOsYFlzhYJI4jq1oyIbCr-gduZU2I9Rz3a2gt0RnLCu5mRYuiu9hEtmjKw6gg09va1BENjwyGNE7FtSpxxe3by-o0dMhs9LJcCuJiVTYm5jOjVtqR6Gb72J2R5Z/s3264/20231215_133150.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3264" data-original-width="2448" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHBo0AlUI2_c1vK4xuSTQ6NUOrAiwde62MXRL4aOplYyfQf0nGZ1oL85W5w8cG7IuQXQOsYFlzhYJI4jq1oyIbCr-gduZU2I9Rz3a2gt0RnLCu5mRYuiu9hEtmjKw6gg09va1BENjwyGNE7FtSpxxe3by-o0dMhs9LJcCuJiVTYm5jOjVtqR6Gb72J2R5Z/s320/20231215_133150.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The Allies have an entire Infantry Brigade (nine infantry units) and most of 1st Army Tank Brigade (five units of Matilda heavy infantry tanks). </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsVh_1MMdTBv2RiNW2yepxNjZxzfVssPffFDNzXshTciUgXi7dYR3XTG_eJWCsSxos9YidChDsqCbVj54aKbR7kT-hpQTE40AONz4kgg43mLVV1XjNGkARQwlGkITTz27T6F503tnKqKhX6t_wbBRsq7Bv1q3nb8_ApFF2K7uPeX7ngikdk3YkWp9IIVFQ/s3264/20231215_133155.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3264" data-original-width="2448" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsVh_1MMdTBv2RiNW2yepxNjZxzfVssPffFDNzXshTciUgXi7dYR3XTG_eJWCsSxos9YidChDsqCbVj54aKbR7kT-hpQTE40AONz4kgg43mLVV1XjNGkARQwlGkITTz27T6F503tnKqKhX6t_wbBRsq7Bv1q3nb8_ApFF2K7uPeX7ngikdk3YkWp9IIVFQ/s320/20231215_133155.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I honestly can't recall who played the first game. I think it was Simon and Andrew. Both sides need six VP to win, but the onus of attack is on the British as the Axis have artillery, so can win by just shelling the British on their start line. One of those M44 scenario design things to force an attack. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">There are exit hexes at the end of the highway, so British units can get VP by exiting here, as well as killing stuff. </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhihYWALIxFoLeDBe0Dd3mjyzFtS1DK0_0O8rBSXkjw6kLBUBiai579uL-Us8VN55vPRu-9UCJfvydGAXeI8D-xKPHpaOvDhmhwio-0bZrOpT5262v9yih7XtQxQ8nPsE3a5tqlD77lJCVhCtDe3GCXder9VbyV8RCeNj8v_C3TG4nkBJTtT7ki3H2gBgRG/s3264/20231215_134009.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3264" data-original-width="2448" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhihYWALIxFoLeDBe0Dd3mjyzFtS1DK0_0O8rBSXkjw6kLBUBiai579uL-Us8VN55vPRu-9UCJfvydGAXeI8D-xKPHpaOvDhmhwio-0bZrOpT5262v9yih7XtQxQ8nPsE3a5tqlD77lJCVhCtDe3GCXder9VbyV8RCeNj8v_C3TG4nkBJTtT7ki3H2gBgRG/s320/20231215_134009.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Many of the minefields are dummies (0), and the Germans can rearrange them at the start of the game. The British went mine hunting early on, and unsurprisingly found the real minefields clustered around the road with the gaps at the side. The Germans busily shelled the Allies in the meantime, and moved one of their reserve Panzers up into the pass. The Allied infantry took heavy losses from the Axis fire up to this point.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8HY2uflVjhtzMJ_RHIC7-wkDiZ0Yv_shUdpz0MEd0OzaYJ6fizKMxWOnK8OoTyf-ctCgg-eJV4kIE53GNpA6b2eaRIWxYJR1GxadNw4636ikSuZhByqK0hSt5zucqZefpE8_760RExsCZYwweksmEjx5h-TLomOtoPPTACQk9p1sMHPADNHFFNJrXo5sb/s3264/20231215_135446.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3264" data-original-width="2448" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8HY2uflVjhtzMJ_RHIC7-wkDiZ0Yv_shUdpz0MEd0OzaYJ6fizKMxWOnK8OoTyf-ctCgg-eJV4kIE53GNpA6b2eaRIWxYJR1GxadNw4636ikSuZhByqK0hSt5zucqZefpE8_760RExsCZYwweksmEjx5h-TLomOtoPPTACQk9p1sMHPADNHFFNJrXo5sb/s320/20231215_135446.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">As the Allies pushed through the minefield gaps, they played an 'airpower' card on the cluster of Axis units in the pass (you can just make out the Spitfire, the desert camo is very effective). It was absolutely devastating; it knocked out one artillery piece, drove the other back, destroyed the Bersaglieri and damaged the panzer company. Ouch. Some of them were already damaged, but even so...</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLZM5WkgrAA_u-yLuseTtkHzMw5Wnn9uBhwZT1dj0qhi2_PPZ3uJw52560PUKprspPK4AvnWmQ89Qm_dyM2F97nbc0vnVaeoLt4gx3lGu0hSq9lp-ol5vg9DrievTtnE4FICbKqkWPt_h1gjqXiM87kIN1sjoTMxp3sCHRzffJ8w67_aiq8RX6b-bVfux_/s3264/20231215_140356.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3264" data-original-width="2448" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLZM5WkgrAA_u-yLuseTtkHzMw5Wnn9uBhwZT1dj0qhi2_PPZ3uJw52560PUKprspPK4AvnWmQ89Qm_dyM2F97nbc0vnVaeoLt4gx3lGu0hSq9lp-ol5vg9DrievTtnE4FICbKqkWPt_h1gjqXiM87kIN1sjoTMxp3sCHRzffJ8w67_aiq8RX6b-bVfux_/s320/20231215_140356.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The Matildas took advantage of the slackening fire to mass on the left, firing broadsides at the infantry on the hill as they went.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNe62WW2XHeAFgqkLL3WHaUWc2UnQnGJyWf2MS9oNsuGrV1Ni9deUFn-dkBouklCiM38YIsA94PphePqRBoEHZ1lH6JAKxxppEwuj5MuT9T2FDR-lKtr0qTGnjcQg7W4RrcV4i03Ie-8iq_37CaIpBsW8H0l21vuRZXbV3rRlS6gKiB6ACJ5tJMAMzNXFQ/s3264/20231215_140922.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2448" data-original-width="3264" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNe62WW2XHeAFgqkLL3WHaUWc2UnQnGJyWf2MS9oNsuGrV1Ni9deUFn-dkBouklCiM38YIsA94PphePqRBoEHZ1lH6JAKxxppEwuj5MuT9T2FDR-lKtr0qTGnjcQg7W4RrcV4i03Ie-8iq_37CaIpBsW8H0l21vuRZXbV3rRlS6gKiB6ACJ5tJMAMzNXFQ/s320/20231215_140922.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">And off they trundled down the road, through the shattered defences, knocking out the Panzers on the way.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfyaMMr1Eg5uSS9KIiYWSy8xuQmISo91FgODwDxXQQitRNe0V1sVcuVokp0Y5QiMkzhFLCYX_HOaDaG9fCnet-wZ6r3A2-q4hSDOmZTf7ktjNEAFf6OXbXzFhmGX5q5sHkfdlovd-i4iTNBYSSvpmGuoSA8wBaZLfESdZ-KRcPRPH7zZQ0wPoXZMAFNltB/s3264/20231215_141502.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2448" data-original-width="3264" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfyaMMr1Eg5uSS9KIiYWSy8xuQmISo91FgODwDxXQQitRNe0V1sVcuVokp0Y5QiMkzhFLCYX_HOaDaG9fCnet-wZ6r3A2-q4hSDOmZTf7ktjNEAFf6OXbXzFhmGX5q5sHkfdlovd-i4iTNBYSSvpmGuoSA8wBaZLfESdZ-KRcPRPH7zZQ0wPoXZMAFNltB/s320/20231215_141502.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The German infantry pulled back to intercept them, but one squadron managed to roll off the exit hex.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhivPTkDia1uQ_LlquyT_cAKNaQBCHE4x6XWRZkwrDUiVS79vzFneWvfKhepXqZ0kqhVteUV9RR86h4rRLob5ttlHW1elMXMECzyH9zGh8ioCDYs7L3iJVcEtEhf9Clod8VjCttjWFcy9g2j2UdMHHHt2hAyOZXakTZxrSnXZy6g72-j3lBQWfFO8_H30G2/s3264/20231215_141815.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3264" data-original-width="2448" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhivPTkDia1uQ_LlquyT_cAKNaQBCHE4x6XWRZkwrDUiVS79vzFneWvfKhepXqZ0kqhVteUV9RR86h4rRLob5ttlHW1elMXMECzyH9zGh8ioCDYs7L3iJVcEtEhf9Clod8VjCttjWFcy9g2j2UdMHHHt2hAyOZXakTZxrSnXZy6g72-j3lBQWfFO8_H30G2/s320/20231215_141815.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The German infantry got into its stride, assaulting the next squadron.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5M7uHwnKd3lfH54ZjdDYYzzliCPX2T21uomqFvD47mPweiTDgTPnlWbIzvss80uPbBr36riFNddrBAWLa5i5jAxMve6RjG_UP8OYxOeqsNSUONQwyvOr3d3u2Ctlrd6zO_0ACBT3cF5xUq04vuOWvayZRs5XUlyLktBsE-yuNms9LtCkp25LsCBp9aDio/s3264/20231215_141922.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2448" data-original-width="3264" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5M7uHwnKd3lfH54ZjdDYYzzliCPX2T21uomqFvD47mPweiTDgTPnlWbIzvss80uPbBr36riFNddrBAWLa5i5jAxMve6RjG_UP8OYxOeqsNSUONQwyvOr3d3u2Ctlrd6zO_0ACBT3cF5xUq04vuOWvayZRs5XUlyLktBsE-yuNms9LtCkp25LsCBp9aDio/s320/20231215_141922.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The Matildas retreated again, into range of the AT positions on the left ridge. More German infantry joined in. </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVDbShxAUHNMhDWAX5sAKrrTgUEFQZ_00a1boNTme7jlckt0E_l2-95lDxhGsYpzDfLwTWbJ6e3NXCgTbqNdNVG8MjAyj6jajEeTDgYyTH1QxWjgXOrw3IClK5PNNBMDG_pNaaE8xHLjsthN1HUuzxaSdevgVzntgOSeQwm3B3wzfcsG4Mu4dzH9_dyOwW/s3264/20231215_142033.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2448" data-original-width="3264" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVDbShxAUHNMhDWAX5sAKrrTgUEFQZ_00a1boNTme7jlckt0E_l2-95lDxhGsYpzDfLwTWbJ6e3NXCgTbqNdNVG8MjAyj6jajEeTDgYyTH1QxWjgXOrw3IClK5PNNBMDG_pNaaE8xHLjsthN1HUuzxaSdevgVzntgOSeQwm3B3wzfcsG4Mu4dzH9_dyOwW/s320/20231215_142033.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Suddenly the British were looking a bit thin on the ground.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiLC5T6j4oAf-eMIby4_0zXHB9_1EWM-M_KSpCVzpxGtXQosGvPA5r2yMHrvFHc7xf46rryH-es-UR1dIAo9_p04X1ukgkhaYzzYoWEhdcy2OT6IBDs6V0-TaCQqRp_dpJRkLrSrW5q5XoBipnP6ivQ7ZZ187ZKF9onoaifPTqDmY7FxkByNAoT8VTQx5C/s3264/20231215_142058.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2448" data-original-width="3264" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiLC5T6j4oAf-eMIby4_0zXHB9_1EWM-M_KSpCVzpxGtXQosGvPA5r2yMHrvFHc7xf46rryH-es-UR1dIAo9_p04X1ukgkhaYzzYoWEhdcy2OT6IBDs6V0-TaCQqRp_dpJRkLrSrW5q5XoBipnP6ivQ7ZZ187ZKF9onoaifPTqDmY7FxkByNAoT8VTQx5C/s320/20231215_142058.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">They frantically attempted to repair some of the damaged tanks.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0puh5PG9oEbjPniqvbArzxk5qxl96mbkLvGLHwwNL410moe3JcGwUeRgby43iQxBWJwJiBqLhXHyOiQp8D1AZXDC8c5q-_ivWQmkBryEKLv15O0dd_QOFLp7grW2UCAWIFjInVr0e-TWa66cd6iWPKw7UC59vfsRQvtC6qOvJjNHws8Ja3ZC5MDdMc-Q4/s3264/20231215_142145.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2448" data-original-width="3264" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0puh5PG9oEbjPniqvbArzxk5qxl96mbkLvGLHwwNL410moe3JcGwUeRgby43iQxBWJwJiBqLhXHyOiQp8D1AZXDC8c5q-_ivWQmkBryEKLv15O0dd_QOFLp7grW2UCAWIFjInVr0e-TWa66cd6iWPKw7UC59vfsRQvtC6qOvJjNHws8Ja3ZC5MDdMc-Q4/s320/20231215_142145.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Off they went again, but it was too late. The cumulative losses did for them and the Germans gained a last VP, winning 6:5. That was close! I thoughtit was gonna ng to be an easy Allied victory for a while. </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib-YQmZpSB2I4MqxNnEqVCDmulTqjyV8kWZLA2-QFDDHW7Y17kuq8ZpqVtE_7y_MAgi6Hrj9a6VQQtNAFW7qsSIKMS17o5Ld34iozPLNbeBcy74Om2arPFKo2TX76MD6HVskyjkYVZhFnII7_ObpdQcyU8KwZ9eVykguK2MsbydsCmrP1AlEocK02066p_/s3264/20231215_142717.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3264" data-original-width="2448" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib-YQmZpSB2I4MqxNnEqVCDmulTqjyV8kWZLA2-QFDDHW7Y17kuq8ZpqVtE_7y_MAgi6Hrj9a6VQQtNAFW7qsSIKMS17o5Ld34iozPLNbeBcy74Om2arPFKo2TX76MD6HVskyjkYVZhFnII7_ObpdQcyU8KwZ9eVykguK2MsbydsCmrP1AlEocK02066p_/s320/20231215_142717.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Meanwhile Tims gunboat was also being thoroughly shot up over on the other table!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">We had a break for tea and mince pies, then kicked off another game . John and Andrew (British), and Simon, Tim and Pete (German) played while Bish observed. </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRBlsk-dsaMTgX8s9cf8unt9f7Yaq9U4qxYkn_BLGKli8q7S3UEXxgps1kvrhNKAAh6W-LVFh_Yxlzj0232LzBc3jXM53uMlGO773i7s8JILeuz7t7_ShIqrtjqdsH0nYjmVdVf5UGqOFqtmX1osL4LMTLRBzE8wACAGQ06tycXcTzcE67TQceSgSov_-G/s3264/20231215_145104.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2448" data-original-width="3264" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRBlsk-dsaMTgX8s9cf8unt9f7Yaq9U4qxYkn_BLGKli8q7S3UEXxgps1kvrhNKAAh6W-LVFh_Yxlzj0232LzBc3jXM53uMlGO773i7s8JILeuz7t7_ShIqrtjqdsH0nYjmVdVf5UGqOFqtmX1osL4LMTLRBzE8wACAGQ06tycXcTzcE67TQceSgSov_-G/s320/20231215_145104.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The British went mine hunting again, but this time used more of their infantry to do it, who also cleared some of the wire. The mines on the road turned out to be the dreaded 'four' strength field! The leading Matiladas were very lucky and only suffered one hit though.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-bg6w-gOA0Y1z0NKAu4naD0Bc86iFrmARswoonNzaxMRRNSZWRGqYmxyAtpHhNfeCnXfVYg1mGe3SAbgtyXGmtAeUQtzBXFgNtdQH5j4oHspJENlHA3ACDOH_EiJ2w-dMuqt9eaHoNYhUOSdhJn4Ri3km3YWGTL4mSk0TzNduZtKqN8Quo7-GDuEgjUnd/s3264/20231215_145644.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3264" data-original-width="2448" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-bg6w-gOA0Y1z0NKAu4naD0Bc86iFrmARswoonNzaxMRRNSZWRGqYmxyAtpHhNfeCnXfVYg1mGe3SAbgtyXGmtAeUQtzBXFgNtdQH5j4oHspJENlHA3ACDOH_EiJ2w-dMuqt9eaHoNYhUOSdhJn4Ri3km3YWGTL4mSk0TzNduZtKqN8Quo7-GDuEgjUnd/s320/20231215_145644.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The British put in an infantry attack on the left, having found some minefield gaps.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLP9yl6-27CdNf8Wf12UGoSNLnaZnetpaNf2QbfE24aM6JITfn1HTbdY2blhisu3HMrxkJ-u3WkmHvQRJWN1mioYxZJSY3N7VF4Ds-0mz2ezHkPoJf0GvZjhPkRyvGW1E6YYba_c0V563yJATjalPaBryUUW3Cbr75YfvGj_Zb_MtqKmU_m8nJYG8-y7Pq/s3264/20231215_151036.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3264" data-original-width="2448" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLP9yl6-27CdNf8Wf12UGoSNLnaZnetpaNf2QbfE24aM6JITfn1HTbdY2blhisu3HMrxkJ-u3WkmHvQRJWN1mioYxZJSY3N7VF4Ds-0mz2ezHkPoJf0GvZjhPkRyvGW1E6YYba_c0V563yJATjalPaBryUUW3Cbr75YfvGj_Zb_MtqKmU_m8nJYG8-y7Pq/s320/20231215_151036.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Although some units were rather shot up, eventually a bayonet charge carried the ridge and cleared the first Italian trenches.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj04nZEOsNXsBC-dZp4YBXuGaeBGHWYqtbruNPg0k_eVmTiWCTlMuXVDr7jAXhJWqHOq4vsMsizY2AtjW02Fa7aY4O3GuQ_Mf8sP07-bTKEuRKvmKvTt5gkj-FeAVH_Xj2XQMe8LKUd6YxEbEFIeCG-IoQXAgvyNnxgTHbn_7eRBtlASarUE_dBXXkdBGoe/s3264/20231215_151950.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2448" data-original-width="3264" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj04nZEOsNXsBC-dZp4YBXuGaeBGHWYqtbruNPg0k_eVmTiWCTlMuXVDr7jAXhJWqHOq4vsMsizY2AtjW02Fa7aY4O3GuQ_Mf8sP07-bTKEuRKvmKvTt5gkj-FeAVH_Xj2XQMe8LKUd6YxEbEFIeCG-IoQXAgvyNnxgTHbn_7eRBtlASarUE_dBXXkdBGoe/s320/20231215_151950.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The attackers pressed on into the pass and cleared the German AT gun positions on the left ridge as well. The Axis right flank was looking very dodgy now.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqzOof8iPBA0em-mfwzEd3tgmufhb4vppGED59kkEkXAZgiaRptc2YSEsCQJxzROReLEnbIantS4r7KNi5p2-Zt0iuAQ0J7hBlXsahTe5YBrb5YICQmG4w7rO8nu_ujdBRoaTtD5q2Qz7mxNktcL4eH9OLk1mRHe-5KMxTOskMT_mMxGSOHmAR1aoZnyse/s3264/20231215_153125.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2448" data-original-width="3264" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqzOof8iPBA0em-mfwzEd3tgmufhb4vppGED59kkEkXAZgiaRptc2YSEsCQJxzROReLEnbIantS4r7KNi5p2-Zt0iuAQ0J7hBlXsahTe5YBrb5YICQmG4w7rO8nu_ujdBRoaTtD5q2Qz7mxNktcL4eH9OLk1mRHe-5KMxTOskMT_mMxGSOHmAR1aoZnyse/s320/20231215_153125.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">One very battered Matilda squadron ran the gauntlet of the Italian artillery and made it off the table.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDIrQvqhzq1iVFLpmAMva9eQfPD92ZmfHySnZW7TEy8JBAtSIb68Ac4vpcsKXZyDYF6AJnRJa-UG5mbkY2h91rjAo6erTyulQpTBm8IEqgFkRv4FTJzW5JWNEQQadJeTfKgFhw_UjlaKI5JDOmgsjRT6dSDStOEzcDpNQ-aTm6oxtWjEIWS6HSmQi5s5wG/s3264/20231215_153249.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3264" data-original-width="2448" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDIrQvqhzq1iVFLpmAMva9eQfPD92ZmfHySnZW7TEy8JBAtSIb68Ac4vpcsKXZyDYF6AJnRJa-UG5mbkY2h91rjAo6erTyulQpTBm8IEqgFkRv4FTJzW5JWNEQQadJeTfKgFhw_UjlaKI5JDOmgsjRT6dSDStOEzcDpNQ-aTm6oxtWjEIWS6HSmQi5s5wG/s320/20231215_153249.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The Allies were strong enough to attack on their right as well, and pushed up onto the ridge. The Germans other Panzer company was committed here already to thicken up the defences.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjivP3LhJS4XO8gibxZvk92tc60rdK8m8HozxBFjloKAzo7Px2hpOt6odV9fDOvociaGjB-TGn7U6mfVOkNh-KZGbaU5iU4YpqI5oj2R0iCVbjJtziliEY9OSP03ngg9b7R6qjMcl5h5R-X4ZSZq3oDAwAHqUYjEatcbeflclJSsZf7kPMzhL048Miez1n8/s3264/20231215_153605.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3264" data-original-width="2448" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjivP3LhJS4XO8gibxZvk92tc60rdK8m8HozxBFjloKAzo7Px2hpOt6odV9fDOvociaGjB-TGn7U6mfVOkNh-KZGbaU5iU4YpqI5oj2R0iCVbjJtziliEY9OSP03ngg9b7R6qjMcl5h5R-X4ZSZq3oDAwAHqUYjEatcbeflclJSsZf7kPMzhL048Miez1n8/s320/20231215_153605.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The Allies pressed on steadily however, and overran a German last stand on this isolated hill. That was 6VP to the British and a creditable win.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Including my solo play, that is three times I've run the Halfaya Pass scenario, and it seems to be very balanced. Fun to play with interesting terrain and a mix of unit types, even if it looks a bit scary at first with all those fortifications!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><p><br /></p>Martin Rapierhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16788664847205341619noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2410063836503200299.post-72530926972122624152024-02-07T23:46:00.000-08:002024-02-07T23:46:11.957-08:0015mm BPM Sdkfz 10<p> I have a few German halftrack prime movers already, but they are panzergrau, so the desert project was an opportunity to get some sand coloured ones.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlmxDfN1Vtz1hacyvPV9CAYpvUnte2LseyiSVsRKJljLeZ3n12EI1BU5gkHYd8Rw8SPcTv2TwVdAlg1vodUlrzlXi7XjPe8YlWKWKnwrA-nNL20JP4p6N4pKxNry6K6wE6Do70WRzEnT_JVIrTZx3U4bGNyB1KDPezuqjuTxVN8XKCvSm8Q6EfxBRGLjHv/s3264/20230915_134000.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2448" data-original-width="3264" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlmxDfN1Vtz1hacyvPV9CAYpvUnte2LseyiSVsRKJljLeZ3n12EI1BU5gkHYd8Rw8SPcTv2TwVdAlg1vodUlrzlXi7XjPe8YlWKWKnwrA-nNL20JP4p6N4pKxNry6K6wE6Do70WRzEnT_JVIrTZx3U4bGNyB1KDPezuqjuTxVN8XKCvSm8Q6EfxBRGLjHv/s320/20230915_134000.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">A couple of BPM Sdkfz 10s. Fairly diminutive but good enough for many things. Like the Sdkfz 10/4s, no crew included. Unlike SP guns, I'm less bothered by a lack of drivers in transport vehicles, but I shall add some when I get some more loose driver figures.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQWu7MWC1dWgPFerzQ8M1MnMDKsOt7rH6W284PrjG6fJB6Yi2Xv6G3z_NQ4nG5LRMTMwF9jizAUDvj29evcAvzlUK2IKBxY4M92IwSsRyXKMj08aGwZ1oHAn8mA4LLeqf0SLV2dHnhENshf-xojc6QbqHvfjwqKsnWzKZ6yIbeDNEppfxpnwaiDh_uc3X_/s3264/20230915_134011.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2448" data-original-width="3264" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQWu7MWC1dWgPFerzQ8M1MnMDKsOt7rH6W284PrjG6fJB6Yi2Xv6G3z_NQ4nG5LRMTMwF9jizAUDvj29evcAvzlUK2IKBxY4M92IwSsRyXKMj08aGwZ1oHAn8mA4LLeqf0SLV2dHnhENshf-xojc6QbqHvfjwqKsnWzKZ6yIbeDNEppfxpnwaiDh_uc3X_/s320/20230915_134011.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">These are nice crisp castings, despite being done in APL. A few easily sanded striations on the bonnet. The rounded mudguards are a bit rough. If it was a tank I'd care more, but these are just cheap transport. </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5p8SZ9ZXc2ia5StV_dNSar5flQqmquwUuTL3YyMPrWjA0HLIpkslFdLC1NNZTqXUTz4EEaM3epSh_KVOHAqRAEVckWD5vZ1zP7xjr7q2mZbxFDXfpPybH8n2qKUBy1uoSF1S1mosd5c3IWKVvA9NJ71KNzJYpg08W0UDG9jXacxkUceZrduNsygMiLvRL/s3264/20230915_134018.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2448" data-original-width="3264" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5p8SZ9ZXc2ia5StV_dNSar5flQqmquwUuTL3YyMPrWjA0HLIpkslFdLC1NNZTqXUTz4EEaM3epSh_KVOHAqRAEVckWD5vZ1zP7xjr7q2mZbxFDXfpPybH8n2qKUBy1uoSF1S1mosd5c3IWKVvA9NJ71KNzJYpg08W0UDG9jXacxkUceZrduNsygMiLvRL/s320/20230915_134018.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The interior detail is OK as well. It would certainly benefit from the addition of some seated figures though. I'm never quite sure what colour to do canvas tilts. This (rolled) one I did a yellowish green.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiwBG3FP9zpwYegFJuBo1PTFnYw5w6gihX2P27TgYqW-M_f-eDmv0eqlGFz-d4uYaaMrwMRokLvrnAHO3mXExsjJ3bFhSrMmKVe1600yVOQ5DXO7XXX5q4QyshHfLjlxc5TNILU0IYDptKnumdNP-lfuX0biy266fWPwLcs7HjOxiFY5IyK-ICIxJEgpf2/s3264/20230915_134024.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2448" data-original-width="3264" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiwBG3FP9zpwYegFJuBo1PTFnYw5w6gihX2P27TgYqW-M_f-eDmv0eqlGFz-d4uYaaMrwMRokLvrnAHO3mXExsjJ3bFhSrMmKVe1600yVOQ5DXO7XXX5q4QyshHfLjlxc5TNILU0IYDptKnumdNP-lfuX0biy266fWPwLcs7HjOxiFY5IyK-ICIxJEgpf2/s320/20230915_134024.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The running gear has come out very well, and with my usual multiple layers of drybrushing and washes, it comes out looking suitable dirty and battered. Just plain sand so it is good for many theatres.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><p><br /></p>Martin Rapierhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16788664847205341619noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2410063836503200299.post-31940784690502024312024-02-06T00:16:00.000-08:002024-02-06T00:16:45.271-08:00Task Force Rose, 16th December 1944<p> I was very keen to make some use of my new snow boards during the winter period, and what could be more appropriate than a couple of Battle of the Bulge games, fought in December? I did have a mind to try Eylau, but the Napoleonic rules need a bit more work yet.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpYDIF-C1mlQsXUK82CmGjoElkgfQCBCdV1_HDguqqZDJaokRk3Is4Pes7EetFkv7nrBiZ9-SN_-Dp_iNVggoRDZ4xf-hkOabHJ07kCvp2fg4OrxJzzT0uO6bgG_EmmKrT0hlD8zYG73uRdstMyDTafOZ7JMHeIiZK6rr1CKavlPuBMX6U4F2YiCCKVOdZ/s3264/20231229_143347.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3264" data-original-width="2448" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpYDIF-C1mlQsXUK82CmGjoElkgfQCBCdV1_HDguqqZDJaokRk3Is4Pes7EetFkv7nrBiZ9-SN_-Dp_iNVggoRDZ4xf-hkOabHJ07kCvp2fg4OrxJzzT0uO6bgG_EmmKrT0hlD8zYG73uRdstMyDTafOZ7JMHeIiZK6rr1CKavlPuBMX6U4F2YiCCKVOdZ/s320/20231229_143347.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">First up is Task Force Rose, holding the approaches to Bastogne on 16th December. A wargamers favourite scenario which pops up everywhere, this one was lifted from the version in CD IV (scenario 5 of the US scenarios).</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Bastogne is off to the left, the main highway runs through Antoniushof on the north road, and there is a secondary road to the south. I rated the woods and dense and the ground as bad going offroad, so movement will be a bit ponderous. As these are small units, I'm using the 'battalion scale' optional rules, so the elements represent big companies, and ranges are increased to three hexes (four hexes downhill). </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The original CD scenario is on a 6'x6' table (2 miles by 2 miles) so that works OK.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The Germans win if they can capture the Antoniushof road juction and road exit to Bastogne by the end of the game (12-15 turns).</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHh5m8SKrsibp6eq-tm-4YWdlVHtIGFLIbAUwE8l6M4egiAOYb-KnfcICDVCynRLrFwcAC_RJVhQLqnNvqJHgmaBqTuL6bb0Ky8ihZn4OAgnuNnQACThtxmaWseaMUsdtSJLjBc4qNI-8tmdU5jcmDH6gQMT2bljwguP8JdOPh5cjhrXgtz27tv6ObpS6p/s3264/20231229_143356.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3264" data-original-width="2448" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHh5m8SKrsibp6eq-tm-4YWdlVHtIGFLIbAUwE8l6M4egiAOYb-KnfcICDVCynRLrFwcAC_RJVhQLqnNvqJHgmaBqTuL6bb0Ky8ihZn4OAgnuNnQACThtxmaWseaMUsdtSJLjBc4qNI-8tmdU5jcmDH6gQMT2bljwguP8JdOPh5cjhrXgtz27tv6ObpS6p/s320/20231229_143356.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">TF Rose, from 9th Armored Div. A company each of 76mm Shermans, M5 Stuarts and an Armored Infantry company supported by a 105mm battery. The latte should be a Priest but I wanted to use one of my towed 105mm guns. Also in the area is a company from 110th Infantry Regt, rated as Veteran.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I gave the US two supply columns, which is quite a lot for four combat companies!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNHByD4q6uBjIE_Y0cgEvZECX0RFSpYZfOSWILsK8BewF2xgOWH4sR2iwj1X2tCwZUYGWPoTfaZR3Rl0L5IIByeyKHIQpleer_AA8nJyUvYqBmYoaBorMWpfadClP960T-bdSyfq-9lUtsu5NVPj65ANcLpxQgAMsxKq9bqEba-WZwP0F95rYwRo_erkER/s3264/20231229_143410.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3264" data-original-width="2448" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNHByD4q6uBjIE_Y0cgEvZECX0RFSpYZfOSWILsK8BewF2xgOWH4sR2iwj1X2tCwZUYGWPoTfaZR3Rl0L5IIByeyKHIQpleer_AA8nJyUvYqBmYoaBorMWpfadClP960T-bdSyfq-9lUtsu5NVPj65ANcLpxQgAMsxKq9bqEba-WZwP0F95rYwRo_erkER/s320/20231229_143410.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Facing them is the panzergrenadier battalion from PGR 304, 2nd Panzer Div, supported by II/2nd Panzer Regiment - a remarkably weak panzer battalion with a company each of Pz IVs and Stugs. Irl it had two companies of each, so I suspect it has been tweaked for game balance. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">They are however supported by two batteries of 105s, one towed and the other a Wespe.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">It is late 1944, so the German supply situation is dire. One supply column for five combat companies and the two artillery batteries. I did give each gun four fire missions though, as the offensive has just started.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Well this is interesting, the Germans have to attack four companies with five and advance across the entire table in bad going! The only saving grace is that they are all rated as Veterans, and the panzergrenadiers have their full complement of heavy weapons, including all 12 x Sdkfz 251/9s with 75mm guns and the Regimental infantry gun company with another 6x SP 150mm guns. I rated the panzergrenadiers as Heavy (3D6).</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHn9mV7vEt8bqFADm5TJtCyDfGBF1AXgoGKHApUbheg1lbjsoB6h59aX6-RiZFtt51gemY-KtQ3sPZEP4tYAbbipOxfw3oLNak32K2VCt55SMY1PiNniwj2DBVYApvZXdG-K2ToMMmNqbKJvj0X_ezGALnoJPB3WdzpI9a7KwRW-wglFQ4pswaqoYmsLEF/s3264/20231229_143920.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3264" data-original-width="2448" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHn9mV7vEt8bqFADm5TJtCyDfGBF1AXgoGKHApUbheg1lbjsoB6h59aX6-RiZFtt51gemY-KtQ3sPZEP4tYAbbipOxfw3oLNak32K2VCt55SMY1PiNniwj2DBVYApvZXdG-K2ToMMmNqbKJvj0X_ezGALnoJPB3WdzpI9a7KwRW-wglFQ4pswaqoYmsLEF/s320/20231229_143920.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The US can set up six hexes in, so the Shermans and 110th Infantry held the town, the Armored Infantry a town on the southern route, and the Stuarts set up a delaying position hull down on the ridge above the main road. With units on hills able to fire four hexes, that northern position is quite tough. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvfGuvzAEke9egDyUtqjnhPu_6pDJYcIuUr73eGpkkUjh_VWWrnB6JgR8W4RjxUlAAOsrdyDIY5ZiBEUHigogxMFxmX-pkRrhsiLfSSE4PAo6bV4G77sJ9D6ZJMu0ko02wDcdawAK9AZFNim34W_jElqdw-kuTBS3Hp5nw6UJhcwuDqyjMsdIsUttItSmf/s3264/20231229_144512.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3264" data-original-width="2448" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvfGuvzAEke9egDyUtqjnhPu_6pDJYcIuUr73eGpkkUjh_VWWrnB6JgR8W4RjxUlAAOsrdyDIY5ZiBEUHigogxMFxmX-pkRrhsiLfSSE4PAo6bV4G77sJ9D6ZJMu0ko02wDcdawAK9AZFNim34W_jElqdw-kuTBS3Hp5nw6UJhcwuDqyjMsdIsUttItSmf/s320/20231229_144512.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The Germans only start with their three PG companies, and decided the direct approach was too heavily defended so went with the southern route. As both sides spotted each other, artillery fire commenced and shots were exchanged.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0kKwkSJJKdyLsXt1EuzsZ2p9LI7z9lg_Ch70Q6ST5WEd0EADa35neX9KwON3ahlLOWdpwUsYaH2lccVrii_lHqXEttOrqNo0oNu8RceQt3PSzdLJJ9xaW4RrvBJXCEbhTPY1z_srykzOXBgtNIWU_ZypNbZ3prMPWllNUWJvRjSYheHQYThaMhPtH0Gbg/s3264/20231229_145131.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3264" data-original-width="2448" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0kKwkSJJKdyLsXt1EuzsZ2p9LI7z9lg_Ch70Q6ST5WEd0EADa35neX9KwON3ahlLOWdpwUsYaH2lccVrii_lHqXEttOrqNo0oNu8RceQt3PSzdLJJ9xaW4RrvBJXCEbhTPY1z_srykzOXBgtNIWU_ZypNbZ3prMPWllNUWJvRjSYheHQYThaMhPtH0Gbg/s320/20231229_145131.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The Germans were lucky with their reinforcement rolls and the panzers rolled up early. The Pz IVs went to support the probe in the centre, while the Stugs went south. One of the PG companies dashed across the open ground towards the central woods, the trees just shielded it from the Shermans, but not the keen eyed US artillery observers.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijmn-5tzc5pn1aNYovmVS6ast-b1vroKEXJRSIZzo8bz7KGU9atqqQEDzk_ApjnWI9yU7SrTsZzMINYiOgDcRAAixz4d5D0U_ZGloLRM_f9OxRMj_XT8Tos8k1h64BUyBMk9taaRrNs4Trc4iWBesM7urfLUiz8eImj-YLoL2bELHw23cH23pPI5FeMVKc/s3264/20231229_145658.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3264" data-original-width="2448" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijmn-5tzc5pn1aNYovmVS6ast-b1vroKEXJRSIZzo8bz7KGU9atqqQEDzk_ApjnWI9yU7SrTsZzMINYiOgDcRAAixz4d5D0U_ZGloLRM_f9OxRMj_XT8Tos8k1h64BUyBMk9taaRrNs4Trc4iWBesM7urfLUiz8eImj-YLoL2bELHw23cH23pPI5FeMVKc/s320/20231229_145658.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The Panzergreandiers made it with some losses, while the Stugs and other PG company provided fire support from the east. The Pz IVs pushed forwards to attract US fire from the main attack.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyeIyNQQWQ2CfBnmfWJs9gUrPbzZ6dPEBTmcOXZSJolSUbxcrPvRgu0biMWgNdTKkQCzk65ULXxWTDYArLWzypfJjwUzr6ptnQaKqqoY33KGF9WJV0_Q98wu_a9xAuBQrCcCzNiQpEF4Bx-WHbVtDDrUYME_CVbQuf9wkPdqiEZ5yffwSV736xyx8iDLHv/s3264/20231229_150231.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3264" data-original-width="2448" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyeIyNQQWQ2CfBnmfWJs9gUrPbzZ6dPEBTmcOXZSJolSUbxcrPvRgu0biMWgNdTKkQCzk65ULXxWTDYArLWzypfJjwUzr6ptnQaKqqoY33KGF9WJV0_Q98wu_a9xAuBQrCcCzNiQpEF4Bx-WHbVtDDrUYME_CVbQuf9wkPdqiEZ5yffwSV736xyx8iDLHv/s320/20231229_150231.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">As US losses mounted, they reorganised the Stuarts and Armored Infantry. I really needed to assault those guys, or the US could just use their plentiful supply units to keep replenishing them in a prolonged firefight. The Germans reorganised the battered panzergrenadiers north of the town prior to the assault.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgX3-_MIl6oDLCddY9uPlmp_m8ijSoBqC5EKAAd1nWqo5ClLmiPuZPO2oHkF9SlVr1AH2tXOxjnnHvLzAL30MsFxQS7bqJd-PDhyphenhyphenhls36KpvFR-vQxsEYb6ROh9y0RZ2WopQlUIgA-xh6Qy2bFwn7s-8d63KjRGwa1vbjA13ejdYlM5o4Pqgvecnuf9AR_E/s3264/20231229_150447.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3264" data-original-width="2448" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgX3-_MIl6oDLCddY9uPlmp_m8ijSoBqC5EKAAd1nWqo5ClLmiPuZPO2oHkF9SlVr1AH2tXOxjnnHvLzAL30MsFxQS7bqJd-PDhyphenhyphenhls36KpvFR-vQxsEYb6ROh9y0RZ2WopQlUIgA-xh6Qy2bFwn7s-8d63KjRGwa1vbjA13ejdYlM5o4Pqgvecnuf9AR_E/s320/20231229_150447.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The Germans fired everything that had at the Armored Infantry, including the last of their artillery ammo, reducing the US troops to one hit (you can just see the 5 point hit marker on the halftrack). The reorganised panzergrenadiers assaulted and wiped them out. Disorganised units are vulnerable in assault.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEceVOC1Aw7A3k4AEitjWRwwf80BKpkdOa3WGywOEGvyVCRdvnnE8oy9J5O_OYIkLGrjBTTFTcjaZKyc67G4r0JQJKonY_s0COXHlUXVWEBX7nTyTC8uPN5X4yeZX3hcQWk9c1Id5fclGvqC2T3IVH-l1jJ1VnzMq5aYPXhSVATit2Vxna_KexjFh8W0iL/s3264/20231229_150850.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3264" data-original-width="2448" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEceVOC1Aw7A3k4AEitjWRwwf80BKpkdOa3WGywOEGvyVCRdvnnE8oy9J5O_OYIkLGrjBTTFTcjaZKyc67G4r0JQJKonY_s0COXHlUXVWEBX7nTyTC8uPN5X4yeZX3hcQWk9c1Id5fclGvqC2T3IVH-l1jJ1VnzMq5aYPXhSVATit2Vxna_KexjFh8W0iL/s320/20231229_150850.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">In the north the Stuarts stayed a turn too long. They should have pulled out to fully reorganise as the Germans obtained local fire superiority, instead they hung around and a lucky sequence of German shots finished them off, even though the panzergrenadiers were battered by artillery fire.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmWTxpRgJZUV4I16NwrxDhEvWWxC5o4nkTLW8Dfnynrqxde0vPj86Z0qGQbScc1ef1NBIznajuPt8wyf-TFUpBxzbhKeFnIdGC4u9gzKwFD12Nk-NaVf380z1IW-w_saEYDlR0y35GfPf7rmfW7lLgpVfzUWvyVKDqBOt188xJqcTFEKlgM35FrtYPzjKJ/s3264/20231229_151459.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3264" data-original-width="2448" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmWTxpRgJZUV4I16NwrxDhEvWWxC5o4nkTLW8Dfnynrqxde0vPj86Z0qGQbScc1ef1NBIznajuPt8wyf-TFUpBxzbhKeFnIdGC4u9gzKwFD12Nk-NaVf380z1IW-w_saEYDlR0y35GfPf7rmfW7lLgpVfzUWvyVKDqBOt188xJqcTFEKlgM35FrtYPzjKJ/s320/20231229_151459.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Having cleared the southern road, the Germans piled west at top speed, outflanking the defenders to the north. The infantry were shielded by the terrain, but the Shermans could see the Stugs in the village.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrXQedML0bmA1Qmhc8Kk6PzcgKp140L1K__kGbbQOlrUaaqf_yxHJTJ_AnoPPqk9CY2_bCQTQIL3M34ZqSfXGlBiEj86F3ONGcHW6fySwZkLyW2-GHMCWCZEymL_4Ogz5GZ8ldQo7m-iuJLcHUguAH9XhKmHJ-mR67qitYJis1tI005gvwtgnBslSHc5h9/s3264/20231229_151511.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2448" data-original-width="3264" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrXQedML0bmA1Qmhc8Kk6PzcgKp140L1K__kGbbQOlrUaaqf_yxHJTJ_AnoPPqk9CY2_bCQTQIL3M34ZqSfXGlBiEj86F3ONGcHW6fySwZkLyW2-GHMCWCZEymL_4Ogz5GZ8ldQo7m-iuJLcHUguAH9XhKmHJ-mR67qitYJis1tI005gvwtgnBslSHc5h9/s320/20231229_151511.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The Germans now prepared to capture the objectives and reorganised their other battered PG company.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7SU1ocqRh-ks8_SIH3lsgHx6iMxrCI-siaWAjmPaO9_6DH7Dek81v4xaMs6SL9juZekvwQ-JA43n9K-hUyAQ7Libcz1eET7hMtlgqKy1LUqCyWqIVnKQNxYcun7oTOs3ofIUfC1PTjMMSv9mq6znDEtVKUIeyVnDdRIUChswcWHKsRRRKzyULp0BrgP2Q/s3264/20231229_152006.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2448" data-original-width="3264" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7SU1ocqRh-ks8_SIH3lsgHx6iMxrCI-siaWAjmPaO9_6DH7Dek81v4xaMs6SL9juZekvwQ-JA43n9K-hUyAQ7Libcz1eET7hMtlgqKy1LUqCyWqIVnKQNxYcun7oTOs3ofIUfC1PTjMMSv9mq6znDEtVKUIeyVnDdRIUChswcWHKsRRRKzyULp0BrgP2Q/s320/20231229_152006.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The southern forces pushed forwards into a torrent of fire. One PG company took such heavy losses it became disorganised. The extra hit Veteran units can take was the only thing saving the Germans.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The Germans had managed to resupply their guns by now.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj57O8vvupnEz40hI-c2LHmCSMIdxCgA1j52eCPPsZa73jAbKtIWzrb8S6rr-K4Oa2R8AW64-i7EaBCiew9nu-LUB-4LFOQ5ck04PdZq-FKGUYn7YIRm3-KNxQgPX4FMR6dZTD8Nk10kupAfjNjysbxVbuGy1MkE7SQTC-PDGQfH5OLk8Bpjjq1PbaI97zb/s3264/20231229_152751.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3264" data-original-width="2448" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj57O8vvupnEz40hI-c2LHmCSMIdxCgA1j52eCPPsZa73jAbKtIWzrb8S6rr-K4Oa2R8AW64-i7EaBCiew9nu-LUB-4LFOQ5ck04PdZq-FKGUYn7YIRm3-KNxQgPX4FMR6dZTD8Nk10kupAfjNjysbxVbuGy1MkE7SQTC-PDGQfH5OLk8Bpjjq1PbaI97zb/s320/20231229_152751.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Enough German units were now in range that they started to batter the Shermans with concentric fire. German artillery even scored a direct hit on the tanks, suppressing them.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbRe0hXr6wfkzbjAdK6yAcL_-4FiMvKDP0Ew_eQuPOaBXsDfCSkndS77NHPAKC6Y5ZljygwOS6ZNRBxwLccQwc2XUEuPZuAhF8kYs43TtK0G22gIyNm78787LOwogEDTDmZpwH64pNRrnBr8ikMS8WOhExedaZTLDAddOrc9U1hVv2LutI_HIrMoaOaVwT/s3264/20231229_153153.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2448" data-original-width="3264" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbRe0hXr6wfkzbjAdK6yAcL_-4FiMvKDP0Ew_eQuPOaBXsDfCSkndS77NHPAKC6Y5ZljygwOS6ZNRBxwLccQwc2XUEuPZuAhF8kYs43TtK0G22gIyNm78787LOwogEDTDmZpwH64pNRrnBr8ikMS8WOhExedaZTLDAddOrc9U1hVv2LutI_HIrMoaOaVwT/s320/20231229_153153.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Two panzer and panzergrenadier companies closed in. The disorganised PG company took the road exit, while German artillery and direct fire pounded the town. The US in turn concentrated on the PG unit in the trees, firing off the last of their artillery rounds (again).</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvUWUvZlshpH0rMOHqPhf95yv81IlaAS403V8w3pZh2z4nqQgx1IbMH_oBsu3RpNTU8EmsDlz69NjMsqULLwA5mvUI6D69n_KvynfSogxDU0nskYa13cAM0xM_GaxzTX0-dP5_fWsrpAAVvqBCpzJEUz5Utm3E7y7l_hCAy1F5ey6QHkN-l_6xV__cynax/s3264/20231229_153158.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2448" data-original-width="3264" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvUWUvZlshpH0rMOHqPhf95yv81IlaAS403V8w3pZh2z4nqQgx1IbMH_oBsu3RpNTU8EmsDlz69NjMsqULLwA5mvUI6D69n_KvynfSogxDU0nskYa13cAM0xM_GaxzTX0-dP5_fWsrpAAVvqBCpzJEUz5Utm3E7y7l_hCAy1F5ey6QHkN-l_6xV__cynax/s320/20231229_153158.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The US artillery gets resupplied for the third time.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfOixEIK1VpA4X2h7TNk6BQ8wjO2vHgrYqIidec72mOEO0Yvcm32w6_naNw4mopoBSmplI-4EDwDvlKGXO07DlNaZccKw-IGPvhwxyL5ujs7yWYkw_1zV2_P18hBLXJgoZRKs1xoeIqiFI-ccX3mmRWvLBCvqgGH6BXQlbC71iya0ur3aWKWkaUow674iS/s3264/20231229_153547.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3264" data-original-width="2448" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfOixEIK1VpA4X2h7TNk6BQ8wjO2vHgrYqIidec72mOEO0Yvcm32w6_naNw4mopoBSmplI-4EDwDvlKGXO07DlNaZccKw-IGPvhwxyL5ujs7yWYkw_1zV2_P18hBLXJgoZRKs1xoeIqiFI-ccX3mmRWvLBCvqgGH6BXQlbC71iya0ur3aWKWkaUow674iS/s320/20231229_153547.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Covered by fire the Stugs managed to assault and overrun the damaged Sherman company. US trucks desperately resupplied the 110th Infantry hanging on in the town.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmjdJDqpcMJrq9lw9priClJyhq1asHMHcuggMIx5BggPdTuT5VuISb8A9HQmmjBaSl3TxONPiyiNCcoM_ImKxQ_T9EYO-GouFN8ZOSM1-UhvtgBruPhwwxhqC_x_APJWoIQeI10vBowiXKIGB_mnYWtTLMoasCgQKzdMImVDSTNSdl62rP5-xdkHcG7MJE/s3264/20231229_153557.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3264" data-original-width="2448" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmjdJDqpcMJrq9lw9priClJyhq1asHMHcuggMIx5BggPdTuT5VuISb8A9HQmmjBaSl3TxONPiyiNCcoM_ImKxQ_T9EYO-GouFN8ZOSM1-UhvtgBruPhwwxhqC_x_APJWoIQeI10vBowiXKIGB_mnYWtTLMoasCgQKzdMImVDSTNSdl62rP5-xdkHcG7MJE/s320/20231229_153557.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">On turn 12 every gun the Germans had fired on the town, while the damaged Stug company assaulted the defenders.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2-ws0Xq6D-KxdBAuMrDw_AxlNLVJKRFQ1TJLUA9a2EkIrDodVIe3yZebso_dGrVSnZaWVZdFw0jR3sWRxtfRv41_NOuqS6QCpMnPcu79On6bMGJnj_9zTC5Ut6aJO7cCdQtBEh6Z_q8FI7XOFonWFUvExVWcNcNPZhgCZyL0PtITl1z63ocjHplSD8zU3/s3264/20231229_154157.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3264" data-original-width="2448" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2-ws0Xq6D-KxdBAuMrDw_AxlNLVJKRFQ1TJLUA9a2EkIrDodVIe3yZebso_dGrVSnZaWVZdFw0jR3sWRxtfRv41_NOuqS6QCpMnPcu79On6bMGJnj_9zTC5Ut6aJO7cCdQtBEh6Z_q8FI7XOFonWFUvExVWcNcNPZhgCZyL0PtITl1z63ocjHplSD8zU3/s320/20231229_154157.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">They shrugged off the defensive fire, and as time ran out, finally rolled into the town.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEil7MOAFlxz0pyUjaqSnowAusAKJZkEzFP4XGYLKR5ftJJ2FFlxHMfhSqpZ1KoNsQJvmw5u1R_VnLIgpC0ZrZJsqtKI3LjlKGo-uFWY9TTryQcn1dLSz_nQXcynUvB-o6kY2fsjZjI-7R2dOpgQyu0D9l1I4UAgtIq8MbU1CE-lDD-7LrwlshqEYofTdfGA/s3264/20231229_154238.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2448" data-original-width="3264" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEil7MOAFlxz0pyUjaqSnowAusAKJZkEzFP4XGYLKR5ftJJ2FFlxHMfhSqpZ1KoNsQJvmw5u1R_VnLIgpC0ZrZJsqtKI3LjlKGo-uFWY9TTryQcn1dLSz_nQXcynUvB-o6kY2fsjZjI-7R2dOpgQyu0D9l1I4UAgtIq8MbU1CE-lDD-7LrwlshqEYofTdfGA/s320/20231229_154238.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Poor old Major Rose goes into the bag.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Well that was a tough fight, I thought the Germans were on a very sticky wicket there, but they managed to (just) pull it off in the end. IRL TF Rose disintegrated in the face of the German assault, although the tank companies fought a long delaying action. The 110th infantry were on the southern road and held out until nightfall, when they withdrew.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The game worked well, and the longer ranges gave it a much more tactical feel, the four hex range off the hilltops was very scary! I also remembered that units being assaulted were shocked and unable to reorganise this time, which made quite a difference. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I think overall the Germans made fewer mistakes than the US, particularly leaving the Stuarts in position for one turn too long. The Germans had some units battered to within 1 hit of extinction but generally managed to pull them out of harms way before they were lost, but their cautious choice of approach routes meant they nearly ran out of time and had to take risks at the end. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">A scenario which warrants replaying, as I can see it going either way quite easily. A contest of quality vs terrain and supply.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><p><br /></p>Martin Rapierhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16788664847205341619noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2410063836503200299.post-77582750178546682342024-02-02T23:32:00.000-08:002024-02-02T23:32:34.503-08:00Formigues 1283, final round<p> John lined up scenario three of the Formiques naval campaign of 1283. This featured the (by now) rather battered and reduced Franco/Genoan and Catalan galley fleets.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3qMvJAWseKKPA8NFWWr1zAy7Yw1i3_0_v46pE6LOWRkDYrSCw13qKbmmYfVP0R4ahoKnMQkbTww4TxspA2knH4OwLwRj_7JmULkxsMBknaQSDBzSOO_AUGohleEBJ01KkKYGWQDpmfP8fO8TCegF7oixie8S0zUeD6-fBAdXzByadgLVtpD0GgMDsPtV3/s3264/20231129_193559.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2448" data-original-width="3264" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3qMvJAWseKKPA8NFWWr1zAy7Yw1i3_0_v46pE6LOWRkDYrSCw13qKbmmYfVP0R4ahoKnMQkbTww4TxspA2knH4OwLwRj_7JmULkxsMBknaQSDBzSOO_AUGohleEBJ01KkKYGWQDpmfP8fO8TCegF7oixie8S0zUeD6-fBAdXzByadgLVtpD0GgMDsPtV3/s320/20231129_193559.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">For this session we had myself, Pete and Simon with John running the game. I dug out my old helmet, as befitting the period. As there were more Catalan ships, I took the French, while Pete and Simon took the Catalans.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGZMADh6E2gDLxtXtPzU1kkSOLDyUx42MnVRqj4udDYkm3o9wa3hObmPUkd0P2o8QdbSWlXh9cDOH-i0osHfxec4PdQ6OhAjX5fEf8KvP1skGo7SJQJAfCG1PkTKwWpTma56Z66mNynUNzeZ1hxPg3XeBt1DxaNXvqfXirgbezVBEWolij1ta3sZEFnb67/s3264/20231129_194258.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2448" data-original-width="3264" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGZMADh6E2gDLxtXtPzU1kkSOLDyUx42MnVRqj4udDYkm3o9wa3hObmPUkd0P2o8QdbSWlXh9cDOH-i0osHfxec4PdQ6OhAjX5fEf8KvP1skGo7SJQJAfCG1PkTKwWpTma56Z66mNynUNzeZ1hxPg3XeBt1DxaNXvqfXirgbezVBEWolij1ta3sZEFnb67/s320/20231129_194258.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">This scenario represented the final battle of the campaign, and unusually it started with a number of ships already damaged. All the ships were treated as a single flotilla however, so every ship could support every other one, which was quite handy.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I set up in the north in a mutually supporting cluster, with my most powerful ship in the middle. As usual, our ships were better in melee than the Catalans, but much worse at ranged fire.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxhyphenhyphen19SUvtZ4iNKHVbPnx9Mmhqi5fPUJvcCKvRWL8qe-roLSJuLV4rQ11nNMCnTrGgPiJMEgKuYGzTOi2pAyG1ff_04xqqsjtioY-9aFw9pYhf2lXSVnFwsV_MlBLRLDY8jE80JRptP7KyRQgmUYC-NAAxKNQv-uyoatHvvc0NPt35vvj0FZnYZLYrF0xq/s3264/20231129_194425.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2448" data-original-width="3264" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxhyphenhyphen19SUvtZ4iNKHVbPnx9Mmhqi5fPUJvcCKvRWL8qe-roLSJuLV4rQ11nNMCnTrGgPiJMEgKuYGzTOi2pAyG1ff_04xqqsjtioY-9aFw9pYhf2lXSVnFwsV_MlBLRLDY8jE80JRptP7KyRQgmUYC-NAAxKNQv-uyoatHvvc0NPt35vvj0FZnYZLYrF0xq/s320/20231129_194425.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The Catalans set up opposite us. They had four ships to our three, and annoyingly had the wind gauge.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_3SCetYPupcBxQpTl2M-OGI4fgDGASArQZiI6rf2WZhw3EcKZpugPj4f6aw8adYemwA7qzRKcwkiKDqxEsNfU36Gri4K0hw2-kfUCk0pUSquI-ucwUbZdK7jLS4nUseBzEPn0UmNYz0seXFSqHH-WC0dpahJwZ9B0Pcw2O1YUN7UqnYeCK_WFCW5BRnfs/s3264/20231129_194909.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2448" data-original-width="3264" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_3SCetYPupcBxQpTl2M-OGI4fgDGASArQZiI6rf2WZhw3EcKZpugPj4f6aw8adYemwA7qzRKcwkiKDqxEsNfU36Gri4K0hw2-kfUCk0pUSquI-ucwUbZdK7jLS4nUseBzEPn0UmNYz0seXFSqHH-WC0dpahJwZ9B0Pcw2O1YUN7UqnYeCK_WFCW5BRnfs/s320/20231129_194909.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">My only real hope was to get stuck in at once, as the wind allowed the Catalans to set the pace of the engagement. Charge! My two undamaged ships piled forwards, while I kept the damaged one our of the way. As you can only take one action (in total) per turn, a smaller fleet is more manouverable than a larger one, which is an interesting wrinkle.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGrozG1jxmchVXu2w_RjqE6nRMMbGpBG8iP-kk6DF4G7C_0tJAxha4jOlLIMlBscR0diy36qxc4TsARG6E9Gjj5iSrAy2jSkxWy5Irtq_tPvUwkzU0NnVKC9gH3tr9eupb3QomeCx7g1IWUcExPbm7STixYpPRAITK2fAybnibhZvUxc08ThlECxDgGGAP/s3264/20231129_195212.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2448" data-original-width="3264" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGrozG1jxmchVXu2w_RjqE6nRMMbGpBG8iP-kk6DF4G7C_0tJAxha4jOlLIMlBscR0diy36qxc4TsARG6E9Gjj5iSrAy2jSkxWy5Irtq_tPvUwkzU0NnVKC9gH3tr9eupb3QomeCx7g1IWUcExPbm7STixYpPRAITK2fAybnibhZvUxc08ThlECxDgGGAP/s320/20231129_195212.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Sadly, the Catalans came out on top of the exchange of missile fire and then grappling. I was still (just) in play as I hadn't quite lost 50% of my hits yet, but losing a ship was a blow.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXaUDOpMPehFGP3AkOazSzplU1DioZfz6rZ6FuI3IWcxcYzaf2IQ13Ud9vIe0zornJGK2rb67tvB0u_0FPJzZUiul4lBjO-XrgrJgQse4C-KqzWXjvmcf8fzluvlDn1kNpsoArPIwnZnq-9N_80u1XLTwyv2NHEimzNMqQQ2gvcQyuoUkmO5_NuQwZAQ7q/s3264/20231129_195415.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2448" data-original-width="3264" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXaUDOpMPehFGP3AkOazSzplU1DioZfz6rZ6FuI3IWcxcYzaf2IQ13Ud9vIe0zornJGK2rb67tvB0u_0FPJzZUiul4lBjO-XrgrJgQse4C-KqzWXjvmcf8fzluvlDn1kNpsoArPIwnZnq-9N_80u1XLTwyv2NHEimzNMqQQ2gvcQyuoUkmO5_NuQwZAQ7q/s320/20231129_195415.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">My cunning plan revealed! I broke away from melee, and sailed right through the Catalan fleet, taking the wind gauge! I real 13th Century Nelson!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTHimHfucnnBo4uwprej4aIHkzZ-9fHQ3NW8t31Er41EUpiL7v2djEdnmpkangslYDACgnkyt5rNNcqjNVdaw6S5F_KdPTjEZGV1hp_QB2z8zXeEYYrb5rj1IvdzFt_eNvfZJobZ6QTrAjHc9dPtbq-K1cPOUGO6EfbCAl0yID1Wk5J62gvbwKA-8CbzeI/s3264/20231129_195753.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2448" data-original-width="3264" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTHimHfucnnBo4uwprej4aIHkzZ-9fHQ3NW8t31Er41EUpiL7v2djEdnmpkangslYDACgnkyt5rNNcqjNVdaw6S5F_KdPTjEZGV1hp_QB2z8zXeEYYrb5rj1IvdzFt_eNvfZJobZ6QTrAjHc9dPtbq-K1cPOUGO6EfbCAl0yID1Wk5J62gvbwKA-8CbzeI/s320/20231129_195753.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Sadly, the Catalans very unfairly ganged up on my damaged ship in the north and took it in a boarding action. What a rotten trick. Over half my fleet was lost, so time to head for home.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Having finished that game quite quickly, we set it up and ran it again. </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbK2Ai47Mk_2K254QgtU03Bu7uANfVslNpIBDssM-EqK2PS2ZdBdCdq1uDpfbqTCZFpz_VRpgDJSnnaBpdou2_LqeavKyEepNIAG_aaUq08k6dwR7vc2FhdlhI6a1oa3xEJNouZ3q2SWTkp1BXHXaumI0sPMUH9szyNVtyqoEt2gScv8EuBnpk1QYIHZQF/s3264/20231129_201738.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2448" data-original-width="3264" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbK2Ai47Mk_2K254QgtU03Bu7uANfVslNpIBDssM-EqK2PS2ZdBdCdq1uDpfbqTCZFpz_VRpgDJSnnaBpdou2_LqeavKyEepNIAG_aaUq08k6dwR7vc2FhdlhI6a1oa3xEJNouZ3q2SWTkp1BXHXaumI0sPMUH9szyNVtyqoEt2gScv8EuBnpk1QYIHZQF/s320/20231129_201738.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">This time I kept my fleet together, as even the damaged ship could provide some combat power. The Catalans tried to maintain formation which meant I could outmanouvre them (as I could shift my whole fleet using three actions, whereas theirs took four). </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXva3rqx0UZtsmj4msFCOEcWmCwflCRaNnH-55bAEnoGRH8Q_g1T2vSObkC7AbbeSuP8-YesD22Bl1TpvFz5QaiSdr1JPYbvO5OCR4M5MXYX_RY7mVXBSs4JFv2zUyKqn52GGwfe2J6FdFhVGlgIrZQ6HX8-qoMQn7cQx1LwEuAS6h8ZuzEN-S0UU4Jcjb/s3264/20231129_201952.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2448" data-original-width="3264" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXva3rqx0UZtsmj4msFCOEcWmCwflCRaNnH-55bAEnoGRH8Q_g1T2vSObkC7AbbeSuP8-YesD22Bl1TpvFz5QaiSdr1JPYbvO5OCR4M5MXYX_RY7mVXBSs4JFv2zUyKqn52GGwfe2J6FdFhVGlgIrZQ6HX8-qoMQn7cQx1LwEuAS6h8ZuzEN-S0UU4Jcjb/s320/20231129_201952.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">This time I managed to take out a Catalan ship and damaged another for a loss of one of mine. I've got three steps left and they have four.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0WogZFxAjTX4fsOt26drifaR3-7NKCldvxGGHTyS79kQzXSBXgGLwmG0PUUH7ZtoYO0EZbXnVNDZu-rXAQE2ZacY75KV4cxyIetfWgYs_6UtpuilRyqoBiCBbR0Ed1zWN4BM9AHc5U10wPTvTrcQwQcH-HyD8dSek40ifN54Cjcs0Ak5ES8VJy7Y6UmSp/s3264/20231129_202230.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2448" data-original-width="3264" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0WogZFxAjTX4fsOt26drifaR3-7NKCldvxGGHTyS79kQzXSBXgGLwmG0PUUH7ZtoYO0EZbXnVNDZu-rXAQE2ZacY75KV4cxyIetfWgYs_6UtpuilRyqoBiCBbR0Ed1zWN4BM9AHc5U10wPTvTrcQwQcH-HyD8dSek40ifN54Cjcs0Ak5ES8VJy7Y6UmSp/s320/20231129_202230.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">In the final action, we both took another hit each, which meant both fleets reached their break point simultaneously. A draw! Tbh, that was probably the best I could manage given the disparity in position and strength, so I was very happy to take the draw. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Another good pair of games, and an interesting system covering a period I know little about. I'm tempted to have a look at 'Galleys and Galleons', often played by Captain Kobold on his blog, which covers similar sorts of things. Well, something to think about anyway. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><p><br /></p>Martin Rapierhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16788664847205341619noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2410063836503200299.post-20167402331717867242024-02-01T00:12:00.000-08:002024-02-01T00:12:51.138-08:0015mm QRF CMP 15cwt Trucks<p> These QRF CMP 15cwt trucks were purchased as part of 'stage one', but I put them together later, as it wasn't obvious how to assemble them.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJWb4ZUIiAHN4PfwEgYnDLG5Mw-L9beLc4ORr2eBW8aG2FIq-z7RPZXjhk_slJJwNZ5I7IG639hXR7hXBcpbKz0NmGhAMGba-9hH6-05Gn4S6BwVjW9Qr4lAyTz_aBBNJHG9iaui30yJZOFjj6fj5aK7GTRmIVqPaDbx7OflhsaB-UacP-8unKuNNS2Gfu/s3264/20230915_132620.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2448" data-original-width="3264" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJWb4ZUIiAHN4PfwEgYnDLG5Mw-L9beLc4ORr2eBW8aG2FIq-z7RPZXjhk_slJJwNZ5I7IG639hXR7hXBcpbKz0NmGhAMGba-9hH6-05Gn4S6BwVjW9Qr4lAyTz_aBBNJHG9iaui30yJZOFjj6fj5aK7GTRmIVqPaDbx7OflhsaB-UacP-8unKuNNS2Gfu/s320/20230915_132620.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Assembled and painted, they don't look too bad, although tbh they are fairly awful models and I may have been better off shelling out for 3D prints or the PSC ones.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The main issue is that they don't actually fit together properly. There are two stowage boxes cast one the underside of the cab which stops it lining up properly with the front axle as they foul on the fuel tanks cast on the chassis. They proved very hard to get off without damaging the mudguards, but I did manage to saw them off and file them down eventually., </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Having done that, when assembled with the spare wheel behind the cab, the rear section (a single piece of resin) then doesn't line up properly with the rear wheels. The rear section is also missing a cutaway for the wheels and instead has a rather dubious cover moulded over the gap.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">It isn't terrible I suppose, and good enough for gaming, but it is hard to imagine these issues didn't come up when it was first cast?</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxG3Wc7ZqsE-Vqm21rYyzPEQ-VCueTVE28LFUE1D0J3V8edhw-fI9ZMNZI7EIri6XrkLySKsLczl8Dq6VOpvcN027qeY86Fvx0f6h-3rvtT_1FgN6qlduNVmHtJLAXOQx7flxvItMbTFN4-7QM0tEYmRmO0v2ODjVU0oYynoa1N8hai3nYwOybegvEt2hK/s3264/20230915_132632.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2448" data-original-width="3264" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxG3Wc7ZqsE-Vqm21rYyzPEQ-VCueTVE28LFUE1D0J3V8edhw-fI9ZMNZI7EIri6XrkLySKsLczl8Dq6VOpvcN027qeY86Fvx0f6h-3rvtT_1FgN6qlduNVmHtJLAXOQx7flxvItMbTFN4-7QM0tEYmRmO0v2ODjVU0oYynoa1N8hai3nYwOybegvEt2hK/s320/20230915_132632.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">For some odd reason it is also missing a tilt over the cab, which was a very common feature, so the windscreen frame is rather precariously attached (two of them fell off when I was painting them).</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Perhaps the most annoying thing is the CMP wheels have very distinctive axle hubs, as seen on the nicely moulded spare wheel, yet the truck wheels are supplied with huge holes in the middle. I ended up making axle hubs from sprue, which was a fiddly and tedious task, but looked OK once I was done.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpQM6lLF-JdBfmFFYYKrnEcpSvjo92aCUtum8UsXjVr3Z9lQC2YwkvtjXlKBUkEjF9pf7FQyqj9DGXfiFVKyXxVEVZfpK72oSV94TLv7SzacEOvHastECKWBRsl8e6qmMwn2JmOPxgjO6i_OUMLFFxASVUSiBD0RUboHPro_GD0VV6_eAQtB1wxTNskZzL/s3264/20230915_132638.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2448" data-original-width="3264" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpQM6lLF-JdBfmFFYYKrnEcpSvjo92aCUtum8UsXjVr3Z9lQC2YwkvtjXlKBUkEjF9pf7FQyqj9DGXfiFVKyXxVEVZfpK72oSV94TLv7SzacEOvHastECKWBRsl8e6qmMwn2JmOPxgjO6i_OUMLFFxASVUSiBD0RUboHPro_GD0VV6_eAQtB1wxTNskZzL/s320/20230915_132638.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">When finally assembled and painted they look OK though. </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSF1PrsbVtyjBhRUI9PyijtiwU93rACKz1M_HWDc9ZesdpXhdzvCzM846OOd7o-h1-6eY4eRKAKLAeIq9ybqgGIx_OiEizG3kuMxJyfGRmChI1puSUIgdYHAMXvbnKzuPC8Tf8st9ypNMb6wgORAajJLos3RVtPjlWVhsl-vazBdbGXZA8q3MeZ97VuOOT/s3264/20230915_132651.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2448" data-original-width="3264" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSF1PrsbVtyjBhRUI9PyijtiwU93rACKz1M_HWDc9ZesdpXhdzvCzM846OOd7o-h1-6eY4eRKAKLAeIq9ybqgGIx_OiEizG3kuMxJyfGRmChI1puSUIgdYHAMXvbnKzuPC8Tf8st9ypNMb6wgORAajJLos3RVtPjlWVhsl-vazBdbGXZA8q3MeZ97VuOOT/s320/20230915_132651.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I did the later black/sand desert scheme on these as it looks quite smart. The Middle East regs changed quite a bit and one directive was to just paint the tarps with disruptive paint, so I did one like that. However, if black disruptive on the bonnets was good enough for John Sanders, it was good enough for me and I did the other two with some black on the bodywork too.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Once they were dusted up a bit, and despite the slightly frustrating assembly process, I'm pleased with how they finally turned out. I very much like the snub noses of the CMP vehicles, designed that way to save shipping space, but it gives them a very punchy look. </div><br /><p><br /></p>Martin Rapierhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16788664847205341619noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2410063836503200299.post-31540594837557233642024-01-30T00:17:00.000-08:002024-01-30T00:17:31.005-08:00One Hour Wavre<p> I thought I'd give my hex based, six hit version of the One Hour Napoleonic Marengo variant <a href="https://wargamersblock.blogspot.com/2021/12/one-hour-wargames-marengo-part-3-combat.html">https://wargamersblock.blogspot.com/2021/12/one-hour-wargames-marengo-part-3-combat.html</a> another spin now I've had a think about various aspects of the rules. As I've done Waterloo, Ligny and Quatre Bras recently, I thought it was time to give Wavre a spin. I last fought Wavre back when we were using the original version of Horse Foot and Guns (with divisional sized elements, not the current weak brigade elements), so that must have been over 20 years ago.</p><p>The Waterloo game was a bit unit heavy, so instead I expanded the Wavre OHW scenario (Delaying Action?) into a nine unit game. I also modified the scenario terrain in line with the topography of the battlefield - mainly adding some extra ridgelines and woods, as the book scenario is pretty sparse.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjE40vRaSK21fbQxKWd4-1oiuFOLSp5VROpASvURhsukH7RUbQ340e-5tFH4at-4JQp9zKHsMBpWSowrjAQcXhY9MQ2TMlVKR7Hf-wcAUaofZK8HeCwUtNrd7FSCqs8B4XrwcjsgboX8-409zM2hEbSNbLvC0Aoff7FgRwAK265CBO7x8XcxIJ0oJiBlhw/s3264/20231219_132618.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2448" data-original-width="3264" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjE40vRaSK21fbQxKWd4-1oiuFOLSp5VROpASvURhsukH7RUbQ340e-5tFH4at-4JQp9zKHsMBpWSowrjAQcXhY9MQ2TMlVKR7Hf-wcAUaofZK8HeCwUtNrd7FSCqs8B4XrwcjsgboX8-409zM2hEbSNbLvC0Aoff7FgRwAK265CBO7x8XcxIJ0oJiBlhw/s320/20231219_132618.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Battlefield from the southeast. The River Dyle runs across the middle of the table, and the highway to Brussels crosses the river at Wavre on the right. There is a subsidiary crossing at Limale on the far left. Irl there were some other crossings west of Wavre, but for game purposes this is fine.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I added some extra ridges and woods based on a contemporary map of the battle, it helps break things up a bit and gives some sensible places to put artillery and for cavalry form up etc.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifYW3yTCoEGYx4JGWVN5GE7tLGPlgh5s_-bggT4DBBoNnWldADVqjAtO_uAO5TD633gmd1MVb04-CuBTZb2TdkoaoaV7V6dx_GhVJSrSlCpbbPZc_RZ_GG6rswS-fqaZlyFucYWMn6Pzv4Yx0dTssGi86pKyw8jXuBLljxR9uc2anx67ZiLRuv_BX8CnwR/s3264/20231219_132631.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3264" data-original-width="2448" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifYW3yTCoEGYx4JGWVN5GE7tLGPlgh5s_-bggT4DBBoNnWldADVqjAtO_uAO5TD633gmd1MVb04-CuBTZb2TdkoaoaV7V6dx_GhVJSrSlCpbbPZc_RZ_GG6rswS-fqaZlyFucYWMn6Pzv4Yx0dTssGi86pKyw8jXuBLljxR9uc2anx67ZiLRuv_BX8CnwR/s320/20231219_132631.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Grouchy's wing of the Armee du Nord. Gerards IV Corps on the right and Vandammes III Corps on the left, both with three Infantry units representing their respective Corps, at roughly 6,000 men per element. There is also II Cavalry Corps, the reinforced IV Cavalry Division (with a whopping 6,800 men!) and a unit of Army artillery although most of the guns are factored into the relevant infantry units.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Half the French the infantry divisions can convert into Light Infantry, with a potential hit if they change formation from Formed to Light and vice versa. I really like this mechanism, it works very well for games at this level.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgs4IK-3dGuO18FTG4HwdGBLgKV6dzDSiQjEd0SBKkKg-1wAVsgmDWiy45vf5FrMSLp7C0Pxrwy30ZyrKE6fMHnaHsjdrD9jTpNnF5YtevxWWZrLjmxXrVTH07eSUY7eQg7VFFF7jAdW7736wTIDMCNhzohu9AsrVX50xydn201chDnTyAtAhn8dOQKMfOf/s3264/20231219_132644.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3264" data-original-width="2448" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgs4IK-3dGuO18FTG4HwdGBLgKV6dzDSiQjEd0SBKkKg-1wAVsgmDWiy45vf5FrMSLp7C0Pxrwy30ZyrKE6fMHnaHsjdrD9jTpNnF5YtevxWWZrLjmxXrVTH07eSUY7eQg7VFFF7jAdW7736wTIDMCNhzohu9AsrVX50xydn201chDnTyAtAhn8dOQKMfOf/s320/20231219_132644.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The main Prussian force is Thielmanns III Corps (right) with four Infantry Brigades, the III Corps Cavalry and III Corps reserve artillery. There is also half of Pirch's II Corps with two Infantry Brigades and the II Corps cavalry. The Prussian brigades are huge, many with 7-8000 men each, but a lot of them are Landwehr.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The Prussian infantry are all Formed, and they can't convert to light infantry. They just have their inherent two hex skirmish ability.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">To win the Prussians need to stop the French taking Wavre and exiting two units down the road to Brussels/Waterloo. They also have to send units to Waterloo themselves, five in total, on turns 3,5,7,9,11. If they fail to do that they lose as well. So this is quite an interesting scenario as the French start off with an opposed river crossing against equal numbers, but those numbers rapidly decline.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgh4wVHUp6Rqd0XQHmD6Y7rdJrB_EqX7ZoIH8dYATfx8WxGpg25d9Z6BlY-kD6Iojj9Dajs8aAcaABq-vYSOkrxrqt9c_NYPIkaKwzhdAu_9D8_-sFsIvNU-yXXie_8UWraaC6-a_tUNVYFsVE1oTAdBgs6RVo5Nc9EzQ-p0S-CqqjKrNcqO6HdYjjru_F-/s3264/20231219_133329.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2448" data-original-width="3264" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgh4wVHUp6Rqd0XQHmD6Y7rdJrB_EqX7ZoIH8dYATfx8WxGpg25d9Z6BlY-kD6Iojj9Dajs8aAcaABq-vYSOkrxrqt9c_NYPIkaKwzhdAu_9D8_-sFsIvNU-yXXie_8UWraaC6-a_tUNVYFsVE1oTAdBgs6RVo5Nc9EzQ-p0S-CqqjKrNcqO6HdYjjru_F-/s320/20231219_133329.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I basically set Pirch's Corps up ready to march off the table, with two infantry and the cavalry far back. The guns are on a ridge, so able to fire over Wavre and cover the main highway river crossing. Wavre itself is garrisoned with two infantry units and supported by a third, my plan being to relieve the front line units as they take losses. Limale is lightly held by one unit as it miles from anywhere, so any French infantry crossing here will take ages to exit the table</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The plan is for the Prussians to exit the cavalry, the artillery and two infantry units, one being a damaged unit from Wavre. We will see how that works out.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvP7mLRQ8gFg20Jbqhr81rRWdY9JZKbCoPw0szB-VW8TkgscBE9L0AlDH-M7mPyYiYsLFu6uSii3eTilfRZtjpCxx5Wk_EyTL0uWCLwbafZ52qn681ba-qD5_BhLfSkhT2lPXxYDrWlGOw-f_nfmFqeT5oaQaARf9mrFG021pFcvcP_AK534A9PIosnUix/s3264/20231219_134147.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2448" data-original-width="3264" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvP7mLRQ8gFg20Jbqhr81rRWdY9JZKbCoPw0szB-VW8TkgscBE9L0AlDH-M7mPyYiYsLFu6uSii3eTilfRZtjpCxx5Wk_EyTL0uWCLwbafZ52qn681ba-qD5_BhLfSkhT2lPXxYDrWlGOw-f_nfmFqeT5oaQaARf9mrFG021pFcvcP_AK534A9PIosnUix/s320/20231219_134147.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Gerard advances on Wavre on the right. Two of the divisions are configured as Light Infantry, which gives benefits attacking the BUA. The third division is Formed, to give some assault power.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7Q_sKXlFI5snTH4nxIcws-6x8pxpbn4VM36lzyTB53C22IBb2Xprfl-Bt1QJfcmxl1QzG8DUCKuXISEver95LENy-ixW9qjkeQP5vjNP4Jbu_COwM5EHeD_yGNKNqf0VWf8uIPJXrkIC-aPJd7VVidpuGmNC9qRVbZeTdBae6A1xCw6XVEAlsyNO6sDZk/s3264/20231219_134158.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2448" data-original-width="3264" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7Q_sKXlFI5snTH4nxIcws-6x8pxpbn4VM36lzyTB53C22IBb2Xprfl-Bt1QJfcmxl1QzG8DUCKuXISEver95LENy-ixW9qjkeQP5vjNP4Jbu_COwM5EHeD_yGNKNqf0VWf8uIPJXrkIC-aPJd7VVidpuGmNC9qRVbZeTdBae6A1xCw6XVEAlsyNO6sDZk/s320/20231219_134158.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Vandamme rolls on with one Light Infantry and two Formed Infantry. The artillery is heading for the central hill where it can cover both crossings. At this point I did think about allowing cross-country column of route moves (a 2 hex move), but as it takes a turn to form up again, it isn't worth it for a short move.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJAtETQRoT_DKxCrIS7pB3LhAA25xJUdqbSp5RE2RhBPyuEx_2xyLa9RUH9tdQz7g5PyGO7sM5PUJb_WpFPbPiuQHLscf5aoo2fdj9q-y-Z1URIB0bkyJ9KnTrx-E7ibOcIWAbsCfIjJs8bdfVuWtJ6Pm6doK9Z7BUzJLduNmfeVxhSoyitpp3hr3uzNKc/s3264/20231219_134752.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2448" data-original-width="3264" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJAtETQRoT_DKxCrIS7pB3LhAA25xJUdqbSp5RE2RhBPyuEx_2xyLa9RUH9tdQz7g5PyGO7sM5PUJb_WpFPbPiuQHLscf5aoo2fdj9q-y-Z1URIB0bkyJ9KnTrx-E7ibOcIWAbsCfIjJs8bdfVuWtJ6Pm6doK9Z7BUzJLduNmfeVxhSoyitpp3hr3uzNKc/s320/20231219_134752.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The Prussians open fire with their integral skirmishers and artillery. Just 1D6 each at this range, but the obvious target is the Formed Infantry in the middle, who take a hit. Look! My new magnetic hit markers!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiY5ltQfjQIgzYILdg0FQodGaRALudsglQJUg8mQIqUEUdlSLKGxRvrnmDSvmS_YK4TmrwHDcrnUwKcSO6Gsl4VqIBLj0gm_j_N7qC3inoupeIDI01RuJxAEtS1ahKC5bcxwIxCGsRU_hTSdVmcYo7uyzi8UusuMfgwf5l0sEVv6Sx9LyRPkWWZknx0n_nm/s3264/20231219_135101.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2448" data-original-width="3264" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiY5ltQfjQIgzYILdg0FQodGaRALudsglQJUg8mQIqUEUdlSLKGxRvrnmDSvmS_YK4TmrwHDcrnUwKcSO6Gsl4VqIBLj0gm_j_N7qC3inoupeIDI01RuJxAEtS1ahKC5bcxwIxCGsRU_hTSdVmcYo7uyzi8UusuMfgwf5l0sEVv6Sx9LyRPkWWZknx0n_nm/s320/20231219_135101.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The French sort themselves out and return fire. Light Infantry ignore target cover, so although they only throw 1D6 in combat, they are better at attacking BUAs and woods than Formed Infantry. The artillery unlimbers facing Wavre, from the hill it can hit the entire town.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMkQm5oyxikUNs-tdKLZDJJ8UW2kUpeMPvWmvwwE4sOszY1DPqsWkHCkpMSlhTTtV5O0QP2Pn0PiMPZRdhMSjPA1zh8R3TCh4hpUiaEHv-pYENS_uQvguOIt69LeX9LTwKKWIRendOhi1QtMwzyTVO_Af4TnenXS6nbLpS_gMzodkzTNiQtQXqEVZtQFe9/s3264/20231219_135107.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2448" data-original-width="3264" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMkQm5oyxikUNs-tdKLZDJJ8UW2kUpeMPvWmvwwE4sOszY1DPqsWkHCkpMSlhTTtV5O0QP2Pn0PiMPZRdhMSjPA1zh8R3TCh4hpUiaEHv-pYENS_uQvguOIt69LeX9LTwKKWIRendOhi1QtMwzyTVO_Af4TnenXS6nbLpS_gMzodkzTNiQtQXqEVZtQFe9/s320/20231219_135107.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Vandammes Light Infantry open fire. Limale doesn't provide any cover anyway, apart from the benefit of the stream if anyone is foolish enough to try and assault across it. On the map it is a tiny flea speck, not enoug to shelter a division. The line infantry shuffle forwards a hex each.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4Yb5G7BLOndsz-vA-IuSLjmue_NcloLHIaz8mPc5_c7Renk0ZiBO5E7gI8new5uIkOVSeFcMw0tDBxv41w-dUMQxNvOeuVlFPAP8H_sL7th_BZCUdCS-TckJpT-rIBQO8VBjllvDIa6nLG1GjNSjthhslemvEqdviYBLFfiLNFICZkDRGajOZpTGSfQh1/s3264/20231219_140044.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2448" data-original-width="3264" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4Yb5G7BLOndsz-vA-IuSLjmue_NcloLHIaz8mPc5_c7Renk0ZiBO5E7gI8new5uIkOVSeFcMw0tDBxv41w-dUMQxNvOeuVlFPAP8H_sL7th_BZCUdCS-TckJpT-rIBQO8VBjllvDIa6nLG1GjNSjthhslemvEqdviYBLFfiLNFICZkDRGajOZpTGSfQh1/s320/20231219_140044.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Things settle down into a lot of long range shooting. I'm not giving any cover benefits against artillery fire unless troops are actually in fortifications, partly as artillery is so weak at range (1D6). Everyone is firing at 1D6 as close range musketry if so scary (3D6). Even so Gerards Formed division on the right takes enough of a pasting (three hits now) that it falls back, leaving the fight to the guns and Light Infantry.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfy_OQEOtJhVpEkKmWGjbiCk_9NVG9zKvJfPt_Un22nu2NQhXISvtDWb1Hx-84ywPbsfocd-nRWhQiD5LdcnmiZDFU9yiWJ8IY6btvnIfU0wTvgyhEu8BUmHRRwpvPeJSijHll-rBDeu1uLwYEAbx2s3nfb8io2IPgWVXhEYnJ-FX8Z7RTxFotGkp0krmd/s3264/20231219_140050.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2448" data-original-width="3264" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfy_OQEOtJhVpEkKmWGjbiCk_9NVG9zKvJfPt_Un22nu2NQhXISvtDWb1Hx-84ywPbsfocd-nRWhQiD5LdcnmiZDFU9yiWJ8IY6btvnIfU0wTvgyhEu8BUmHRRwpvPeJSijHll-rBDeu1uLwYEAbx2s3nfb8io2IPgWVXhEYnJ-FX8Z7RTxFotGkp0krmd/s320/20231219_140050.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The first Prussian unit exits from the road. One of Pirch's Infantry.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIpvDUY0srThHwBv7EV6iUi1lFdM3LwwgRVk5rtOT_CAjNf6M-6pOK1IQb5XZNIrRgtYi5PJLi3dMOItvXhYZNSBKtC_enR6dj-LB-x1i_w7KeUgDWrqbbYW-Pvroydx8JesCvDVS1b_8BNE5QjDHot8vnB1duNbuTaVKZtnZHFDHZPx0NlMR6kCSkEY3x/s3264/20231219_141239.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3264" data-original-width="2448" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIpvDUY0srThHwBv7EV6iUi1lFdM3LwwgRVk5rtOT_CAjNf6M-6pOK1IQb5XZNIrRgtYi5PJLi3dMOItvXhYZNSBKtC_enR6dj-LB-x1i_w7KeUgDWrqbbYW-Pvroydx8JesCvDVS1b_8BNE5QjDHot8vnB1duNbuTaVKZtnZHFDHZPx0NlMR6kCSkEY3x/s320/20231219_141239.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The Limale garrison finally succumbs to the massed fire of Vandammes Corps. The Cavalry move up to exploit, but the infantry still aren't actually over the river yet. The Prussian infantry and cavalry on the ridge move up to threaten the crossing. OK, I'm definitely using slow ZOC in this more open battle (compared to waterloo) - so units have to stop next to an enemy and can only move one hex adjacent.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGE6LaQKa3wQ3znoP1jL6ApIkqxhlCsR99Ya2FTYu7-s_1rl7yVud_-_VbXEHo1LB1A4jTueQP460dxJIGnx_VoqF7E3e94iACyzESXY05tn1rz-PMoQj7Ki3gylt_xt8rd_GCx0ArQhebbPgtu6RS8xwRdw4bNP85dMQA00GTPr0yMtjnuBqiLhkB2rKk/s3264/20231219_141913.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3264" data-original-width="2448" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGE6LaQKa3wQ3znoP1jL6ApIkqxhlCsR99Ya2FTYu7-s_1rl7yVud_-_VbXEHo1LB1A4jTueQP460dxJIGnx_VoqF7E3e94iACyzESXY05tn1rz-PMoQj7Ki3gylt_xt8rd_GCx0ArQhebbPgtu6RS8xwRdw4bNP85dMQA00GTPr0yMtjnuBqiLhkB2rKk/s320/20231219_141913.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Finally, I unjam the traffic at the bridge. Limale is a horrific bottleneck to cross. With French cavalry over the river, the Prussian infantry falls back to the ridge (cavalry are halved attacking uphill). The Prussian cavalry control the open ground.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSoBAkfelXBIpDganbMs6FTPFGgjzEP_kj3J1G3UrbjddLMRZyCONC2qauswBRZOiHjX-slCziWQNN6JN_4XhQDLtGLCKOP3lvbLttLYdm1PtAECLyc9szVX9haOHs-mWGtKYVAPJmOHKeGOoyzbbGggefJwCrgKMWNFsiE4GaLWanjeYgACWQF_IQ9_uU/s3264/20231219_141927.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3264" data-original-width="2448" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSoBAkfelXBIpDganbMs6FTPFGgjzEP_kj3J1G3UrbjddLMRZyCONC2qauswBRZOiHjX-slCziWQNN6JN_4XhQDLtGLCKOP3lvbLttLYdm1PtAECLyc9szVX9haOHs-mWGtKYVAPJmOHKeGOoyzbbGggefJwCrgKMWNFsiE4GaLWanjeYgACWQF_IQ9_uU/s320/20231219_141927.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Over at Wavre the continuous French fire has taken its toll of the defenders over a numbeer of turns. The damaged units (four and five hits respectively) head off down the road having done their job, and the reliefs take over. With another cavalry unit exited and two more infantry on the way, the Prussians are suddenly looking a bit thin on the ground.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbPX_JJXlILIdZPKER5SXJfXLm1NBSA29vQTpLHXShgompctADuZOB7UCKRMQ4iWiYfruARf-l8zHLAgB9pFQlquDy8P6EjNnUj0WFTfm6elaj7WNApT-uXr1FatOPGS3LI68_o6ASUc08A4eH7HTUeCDClL1JuF_-0hwQf32vhIElZ3q9JNmp9vTqeHng/s3264/20231219_142439.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2448" data-original-width="3264" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbPX_JJXlILIdZPKER5SXJfXLm1NBSA29vQTpLHXShgompctADuZOB7UCKRMQ4iWiYfruARf-l8zHLAgB9pFQlquDy8P6EjNnUj0WFTfm6elaj7WNApT-uXr1FatOPGS3LI68_o6ASUc08A4eH7HTUeCDClL1JuF_-0hwQf32vhIElZ3q9JNmp9vTqeHng/s320/20231219_142439.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">At Wavre, all of Gerards Corps in in Open Order now as Vandamme has closed up in the face of the Prussian cavalry threat. Cavalry eat Light Infantry for breakfast, in the open.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwz5_5vyxHkND5vah1X_1xmBIybUffn-lT_3sHZAQ6G4-Bh1dC3gXi5FiYfLbjOb2r_ISBA3Hn_x2b2PC7qoScsuXLvjcBqpRK5fGNi8XXBNruay7yq4sG84aDoELlDg6RuWVyshe6FqkoJycSxQwzCZ8PZlpYV5vI3tmMeZuQxbjFlDMoQwAzcIY7_ZTz/s3264/20231219_142449.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2448" data-original-width="3264" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwz5_5vyxHkND5vah1X_1xmBIybUffn-lT_3sHZAQ6G4-Bh1dC3gXi5FiYfLbjOb2r_ISBA3Hn_x2b2PC7qoScsuXLvjcBqpRK5fGNi8XXBNruay7yq4sG84aDoELlDg6RuWVyshe6FqkoJycSxQwzCZ8PZlpYV5vI3tmMeZuQxbjFlDMoQwAzcIY7_ZTz/s320/20231219_142449.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Most of Vandammes Corps and all the French cavalry are over the river now, and the artillery has pushed forward to the river bank to support them to maximum possible extent. The restrictions on wheeling before a charge are working very well, but the French cavalry manage to charge the Prussians. They are hideously unlucky, only inflict one hit, and retire.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I completely forgot that all the cavalry are light/medium, so only throw 2D6 in a charge, instead I rolled 3D6 for all of them, but it didn't make much difference.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhr2JPfUNvsMSYk0id8T_frzpyWtW3GxYMnGoXyD-ed5mGREKsEsORpU5EDZbxCMqDu9Z_0fGq7KhXmbdowImD2P6tnS-2cZxgtVs5GOjvuEmP_qZeMVQiryzFgoW_G3SVpfQwIE3wBPBi2QCtJeema-bOKnAwzYyHTpOwayGQ4DdAd8nZ-vKEt2V5KF5Hn/s3264/20231219_142725.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3264" data-original-width="2448" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhr2JPfUNvsMSYk0id8T_frzpyWtW3GxYMnGoXyD-ed5mGREKsEsORpU5EDZbxCMqDu9Z_0fGq7KhXmbdowImD2P6tnS-2cZxgtVs5GOjvuEmP_qZeMVQiryzFgoW_G3SVpfQwIE3wBPBi2QCtJeema-bOKnAwzYyHTpOwayGQ4DdAd8nZ-vKEt2V5KF5Hn/s320/20231219_142725.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The Prussian infantry shoots up the disorganised French cavalry, and Prussian counter charge. It is the Prussians turn to be unlucky and the French get away with only two hits.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDLaoO3-P5rtyPLOJwvw2OsoBJvQWEvdnP-4TRDCXgMPKfO453mB_enFebu08YY7Ss3J3tz4hMnM6WhT0QdAtzyy693f2476GtKitoR6MXOfGurH8-Y7GBGrO7ub7aZv3cYCxHTxn-PUW_diHS9zBFdVOp3hpOizT1Ezwpu361K-rZG6BPu2bqKNy59e7l/s3264/20231219_142737.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3264" data-original-width="2448" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDLaoO3-P5rtyPLOJwvw2OsoBJvQWEvdnP-4TRDCXgMPKfO453mB_enFebu08YY7Ss3J3tz4hMnM6WhT0QdAtzyy693f2476GtKitoR6MXOfGurH8-Y7GBGrO7ub7aZv3cYCxHTxn-PUW_diHS9zBFdVOp3hpOizT1Ezwpu361K-rZG6BPu2bqKNy59e7l/s320/20231219_142737.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">More Prussians off to Waterloo. Two infantry and a cavalry now, that is all of Pirch's II Corps. The damaged infantry was originally part of the Wavre garrison.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyyeiY-BVT8PWt8jD-0TwyDwf9AZr8Imqv-9zUFFab-6i2GHM9Ed1OM98M0BcDBR5ni4DTpgesSf0Gj5JYYaJJrIvZs3y01E5asju926bMozkGvvq2RKn9q0Sh6SMe6Ea5cl-AArnE-jPd6f_rPkv9xNbtGv7BLrofHUYDpaZPXX__F5-AxEQjI6yKmeaT/s3264/20231219_142907.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2448" data-original-width="3264" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyyeiY-BVT8PWt8jD-0TwyDwf9AZr8Imqv-9zUFFab-6i2GHM9Ed1OM98M0BcDBR5ni4DTpgesSf0Gj5JYYaJJrIvZs3y01E5asju926bMozkGvvq2RKn9q0Sh6SMe6Ea5cl-AArnE-jPd6f_rPkv9xNbtGv7BLrofHUYDpaZPXX__F5-AxEQjI6yKmeaT/s320/20231219_142907.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">General view. Wavre is still holding off Gerard, but the French are blazing away with their skirmishers and integral artillery. Vandamme is finally in position to start shooting at the Prussians on the left too, and the reserve French cavalry takes over. Combined French fire and another cavalry charge put the Prussians onto five hits, so nearly routed. Time to head for Waterloo.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-gQ8O2up1p9zIaEe1IsU42kzmVRrWUq2R20TxztIAy04YEA-7DdPF5SlzId64KNJ3yFDwDnt8X0dGfHYWzT2u-NKIlx7Qh9e_QDRTnkO199lhyphenhyphen2FxXFNmq_UaobXYOX3KsrZ5n6F_XcO4ZCGHizCPM948ab9J2fF1Gj8RGU1NDiL7JmQ2mzVSdTo2Y7OI/s3264/20231219_144216.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2448" data-original-width="3264" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-gQ8O2up1p9zIaEe1IsU42kzmVRrWUq2R20TxztIAy04YEA-7DdPF5SlzId64KNJ3yFDwDnt8X0dGfHYWzT2u-NKIlx7Qh9e_QDRTnkO199lhyphenhyphen2FxXFNmq_UaobXYOX3KsrZ5n6F_XcO4ZCGHizCPM948ab9J2fF1Gj8RGU1NDiL7JmQ2mzVSdTo2Y7OI/s320/20231219_144216.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Gerard blazes away. With all units in Open Order, there is no need to close the range. The central division has five hits and is dangerously close to breaking.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0LSmczmYlpUQrsmU2QyBuosrgYYjXKegShaODpwQjXocbEslB_bRWOvqQ_p95o13PkL6rS8L_kxRi_idOLxadkTPRgx3_utqC06ZBOuU-oalVKHpDeXkU77bSjCfZqJjeHXKEtzVs8khXudiHCJHAd2tKn5WzC7oStSjgNGu4cGBzuueubzKpJopnWug5/s3264/20231219_144226.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2448" data-original-width="3264" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0LSmczmYlpUQrsmU2QyBuosrgYYjXKegShaODpwQjXocbEslB_bRWOvqQ_p95o13PkL6rS8L_kxRi_idOLxadkTPRgx3_utqC06ZBOuU-oalVKHpDeXkU77bSjCfZqJjeHXKEtzVs8khXudiHCJHAd2tKn5WzC7oStSjgNGu4cGBzuueubzKpJopnWug5/s320/20231219_144226.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The Prussian cavalry retreats its maximum move (3 hexes) as it can't risk being charged or shot again. I try to keep a tenuous line of ZOCs across the gap. The Prussian infantry on the hill are on their own now as the French infantry move up.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJFwK4aFB_u5IWdmOVzFs4snxTgkymFhD7LS3xKZPav-5sKZhkNd3265tLkRBQ9fFO9cRMjuMk_VV4_2Ce1ThnXsIJxFMvZRKX9DrkE9p_xe1lv_93w6-jVoa2SfmLtPjiY41WjOodCSpXjdKjLo3LU02thCoMAoJpNXFeMJFSb-dVx2Y97Y4l29IYR4SY/s3264/20231219_144234.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2448" data-original-width="3264" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJFwK4aFB_u5IWdmOVzFs4snxTgkymFhD7LS3xKZPav-5sKZhkNd3265tLkRBQ9fFO9cRMjuMk_VV4_2Ce1ThnXsIJxFMvZRKX9DrkE9p_xe1lv_93w6-jVoa2SfmLtPjiY41WjOodCSpXjdKjLo3LU02thCoMAoJpNXFeMJFSb-dVx2Y97Y4l29IYR4SY/s320/20231219_144234.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The French cavalry don't have enough movement to catch the Prussians for another charge, but they pursue anyway. Another mandatory Prussian unit is about to withdraw, but the Prussian guns on the hill swing round to counter the new threat.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxCM2c-kHbIbPHZCGKswxOqz6f5_YZaF67ZUKXWG21LRQSjmahyCR9gNJxoWd4NqM9BbO9BTMRmYUnogfSArOraF_jIWytwDeCSKk0YmFbLWuXfujXeI2-Rflf8NOtg4vkKU8qdFb18Wwan9MPV76ScqsLjyRulfVxQub9Snb4dTQEIzDwmMzv1Sc5xgfy/s3264/20231219_144910.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2448" data-original-width="3264" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxCM2c-kHbIbPHZCGKswxOqz6f5_YZaF67ZUKXWG21LRQSjmahyCR9gNJxoWd4NqM9BbO9BTMRmYUnogfSArOraF_jIWytwDeCSKk0YmFbLWuXfujXeI2-Rflf8NOtg4vkKU8qdFb18Wwan9MPV76ScqsLjyRulfVxQub9Snb4dTQEIzDwmMzv1Sc5xgfy/s320/20231219_144910.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Wavre finally falls and the French cross the Dyle.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzI6UUE_jUOTToAkWC_NrUVRznrUn_ypGhUEZ7fyzxVzNVG-1G2mxWKPqfh_OPVoRUK6XjYSQ2hi8MJEI5TngxrUoEwr834nSBp4JKjuumFK_k4_ouX2djBOTLJWEQglmpa9ylTFirBBNM6clD-B-fdY91dYhPjCfOrvXFTd6OlY52JvILfMQZrilczYJj/s3264/20231219_144916.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2448" data-original-width="3264" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzI6UUE_jUOTToAkWC_NrUVRznrUn_ypGhUEZ7fyzxVzNVG-1G2mxWKPqfh_OPVoRUK6XjYSQ2hi8MJEI5TngxrUoEwr834nSBp4JKjuumFK_k4_ouX2djBOTLJWEQglmpa9ylTFirBBNM6clD-B-fdY91dYhPjCfOrvXFTd6OlY52JvILfMQZrilczYJj/s320/20231219_144916.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The Prussians on the hill are under attack or threatened by five French units now.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6M82GtBDy0YCeCnf-34igmDiyaNfaIUuI1SkUFi6R0gD5gP3g_mcjQw85VOGdHauw1qjkJYicJ8W64CaHO_d7UmUwmR8bUGk_TLz0oI7glL9YXl6smVZJmOx8qVojZSJ5lc3nAHi4hbg2DU64r1mguo4CpBxIS7jqT7yB52fqZA8iWr9fYlZicmaYZMrO/s3264/20231219_144922.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2448" data-original-width="3264" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6M82GtBDy0YCeCnf-34igmDiyaNfaIUuI1SkUFi6R0gD5gP3g_mcjQw85VOGdHauw1qjkJYicJ8W64CaHO_d7UmUwmR8bUGk_TLz0oI7glL9YXl6smVZJmOx8qVojZSJ5lc3nAHi4hbg2DU64r1mguo4CpBxIS7jqT7yB52fqZA8iWr9fYlZicmaYZMrO/s320/20231219_144922.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Oh no! I miscounted my hexes, and the pursuing French cavalry intercept and destroy the Prussian cavalry before they can leave the table. As the Prussians failed to exit a unit on turn 11, they automatically lose.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguwoCoHuDlRc7LPEY8ku3QGEYG1F7KQ19C-qvU_5gRCS6T3X1PrBJ0czu_pJcMEh7yPBgmxiivq27B0x4CGggVV3JJnkZDv2foq8ccD7BTS5YHFdkEeAMwlT9hcYhEOC8BF7YcNmip2xNyIcVu2xBDKD0WpKqxRYewClzpGHDzirFiTPa7QiL_DC7zxwfK/s3264/20231219_145017.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2448" data-original-width="3264" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguwoCoHuDlRc7LPEY8ku3QGEYG1F7KQ19C-qvU_5gRCS6T3X1PrBJ0czu_pJcMEh7yPBgmxiivq27B0x4CGggVV3JJnkZDv2foq8ccD7BTS5YHFdkEeAMwlT9hcYhEOC8BF7YcNmip2xNyIcVu2xBDKD0WpKqxRYewClzpGHDzirFiTPa7QiL_DC7zxwfK/s320/20231219_145017.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">tbh, I reckon the Prussians have had it anyway, they've only got two units left. The French have taken Wavre and with two cavalry units functional, they should be able to get two units off the exit road themselves anyway. </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEintgbKB7NGSlwSSNbMzowhbyqktmfk4yYJ_Br5u7nbYBLSECngJEO17eOhNMmGpLPIixDqwl40kSyg_-7bp985OVpnKRITdMRBWTV6bbzuTVrFuauWMMQeWle8IV1Xfz-EBv1XzIfCN1vXiDeqpEHgYekJT0_97jTv77o_2vOFS_x7C2SfTwCVZIgy2d5u/s3264/20231219_145028.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3264" data-original-width="2448" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEintgbKB7NGSlwSSNbMzowhbyqktmfk4yYJ_Br5u7nbYBLSECngJEO17eOhNMmGpLPIixDqwl40kSyg_-7bp985OVpnKRITdMRBWTV6bbzuTVrFuauWMMQeWle8IV1Xfz-EBv1XzIfCN1vXiDeqpEHgYekJT0_97jTv77o_2vOFS_x7C2SfTwCVZIgy2d5u/s320/20231219_145028.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">By turn 11 the Prussians had exited four units, but lost three more.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">That went very well indeed, and was quite a different experience to the high intensity slugfest of Waterloo. In a scenario like this with more movement and a lower unit density, I definitely need to add in ZOCs and also a x-country route march option for infantry and guns as they are shortchanged by converting a 6" move into a 1 hex move (on a 9x9 table, the equivalent of 4"). </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The restrictions on units forming/unforming into Light Infantry work fine and the threat of the hit penalty stops if being silly. It was interesting that no infantry formed square, perhaps that is an un-necessary addition as the Marengo Variant suggested? I'll have a think about that.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">One thing I do need to figure out is how to actually present the various units types, formation options, and most critically, combat effects, in the written word. I know how it all works in my head, but it is very hard to get it down sensibly on paper. Translating various iterations of 'half hits' or 'double' its into D6 scores isn't hugely intuitive. I'm still not sure about doubling up the cover benefits for Light Infantry in woods and BUAs, although it is necessary for the average losses to favour them (1D6 needing a 3+) over massed musketry from Formed Infantry (3D6 needing a 6).</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Visually, I'm also wondering about dropping the sabot bases. It would be more fiddly moving the units as separate elements, but it would just look so much better. </div><br /><p><br /></p>Martin Rapierhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16788664847205341619noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2410063836503200299.post-33363514686789973502024-01-26T23:31:00.000-08:002024-01-27T09:32:55.332-08:00Dug in at Sidi Omar<p> The first scenario I ran at our recent Command and Colours day was the Memoir 44 scenario for Sidi Omar, which took place on November 25th 1941 during Operation Crusader. iirc Rommel dashed for the Egyptian border, only to run into 3rd Indian Motorised Brigade and 1st Army Tank Brigade. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIBoB9TnphNuxnRXEEmWTukYRVUvtne9bb-Hm0Oz7qKFHn_f_rYBaA-CpVvK-se2Ls4ZyPDqBaPVxp-gNtySL_FQ2Dm7Aqx3t2pbWfNdx4JpP3-0b0bWsLy2Vhf4yk9py58MMeLc8-RK69_plN8IahTosTSkkLcX7hB6QR5mhfH1gvETVcsfODOOtGRkNv/s3264/20231215_093825.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2448" data-original-width="3264" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIBoB9TnphNuxnRXEEmWTukYRVUvtne9bb-Hm0Oz7qKFHn_f_rYBaA-CpVvK-se2Ls4ZyPDqBaPVxp-gNtySL_FQ2Dm7Aqx3t2pbWfNdx4JpP3-0b0bWsLy2Vhf4yk9py58MMeLc8-RK69_plN8IahTosTSkkLcX7hB6QR5mhfH1gvETVcsfODOOtGRkNv/s320/20231215_093825.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">3rd Indian (Mot) Brigade facing off against 21st Panzer Div. Each element is roughly a half battalion for this scenario, so on this front the Allies have a brigade with six infantry units and a 25pdr Field Artillery Regiment. The Allies were commanded by John and Andrew.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAQJ6wx9v1ifV6cpEpQuTuAu_j4mIe2hidKjC87BXGVf6w_Y1czwZjRpzdgVv0xZv6F38Ox3TcSZv5iI5LiYo-vI5s-H0SDrHsZMmLWOS3sw3ZYBcpicikBA3LYX4ZzcQ7t7OkwfCOtfPU3TMxBYuKlESWL3DPkz_Ney3sdncA3pegE3dsN9WofavHHR0V/s3264/20231215_093834.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2448" data-original-width="3264" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAQJ6wx9v1ifV6cpEpQuTuAu_j4mIe2hidKjC87BXGVf6w_Y1czwZjRpzdgVv0xZv6F38Ox3TcSZv5iI5LiYo-vI5s-H0SDrHsZMmLWOS3sw3ZYBcpicikBA3LYX4ZzcQ7t7OkwfCOtfPU3TMxBYuKlESWL3DPkz_Ney3sdncA3pegE3dsN9WofavHHR0V/s320/20231215_093834.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">1st Army Tank Brigade has a mix of Matildas and Valentines, which was handy, as that was what I had in my box of tanks. These are all rated as Heavy Tanks, so take four hits each, but being infantry tanks, they are also slow, so only move two. The Spitfire is there in case someone draws an air power card.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmcr-1TTDovvCsEhnpsKSXxZH8syoD5d7oxgTWJyT4BvSJ8NTLG9d93oSH_uHmppMK-_MYfbwlplqfcYe3D0Vd08i6Wuj7kL9huAnihGdmQzJn5zT2yhKawxOowXTUREqBzLryH4epJSinA6cPpWZSIpnRLS0Jgy2IDL3Z9Kr6bNHtc96qVadZr4bwmxnF/s3264/20231215_093846.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2448" data-original-width="3264" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmcr-1TTDovvCsEhnpsKSXxZH8syoD5d7oxgTWJyT4BvSJ8NTLG9d93oSH_uHmppMK-_MYfbwlplqfcYe3D0Vd08i6Wuj7kL9huAnihGdmQzJn5zT2yhKawxOowXTUREqBzLryH4epJSinA6cPpWZSIpnRLS0Jgy2IDL3Z9Kr6bNHtc96qVadZr4bwmxnF/s320/20231215_093846.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">21st Panzer has four tanks and a couple of infantry units. The tank on the far left is accompanied by a heroic leader. In the original scenario this is shown as a heavy tank, I've no idea what that is supposed to represent irl. The "leader" is an excuse to field my Sdkfz 251/3 command halftrack.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiW6vWc4ycwwPXcxJLFsU35AZKy8DOu71ks8qOEYRCZZYeo3y_ZG5G8mH_gmyEg5fcup4pPSXXD8kv-HlBmRwTstRbZLqEaXxA7a0y3uLyie9M503cp7hrY_1mrP-Kn69bJIWbzfN3Un193ru-dTh8kiz7d0T6hWGYhl7-5-f1l5NLZ-fFr9tSE7TD8pwBm/s3264/20231215_093859.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2448" data-original-width="3264" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiW6vWc4ycwwPXcxJLFsU35AZKy8DOu71ks8qOEYRCZZYeo3y_ZG5G8mH_gmyEg5fcup4pPSXXD8kv-HlBmRwTstRbZLqEaXxA7a0y3uLyie9M503cp7hrY_1mrP-Kn69bJIWbzfN3Un193ru-dTh8kiz7d0T6hWGYhl7-5-f1l5NLZ-fFr9tSE7TD8pwBm/s320/20231215_093859.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">While 15th Panzer has three tanks, three infantry and an artillery piece. The Fiat G50 is from Tims box of planes.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Pete took the Germans for this game.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiB8B1i4AthRkdB3R-pZ9byYHNQ2h7YFLI6qUTOOp7dqRcFMmRMOVulPytG8-8lcCY4Glmtd_sVxz-9Jg6PBMmeBHjp9xX1lEoE1Jh7mj_PGJXstvjp2QTAQT572H_PqcpjO5TkfJ7agrRNRnHaMjY7ev2OYcNw0oZHQbY0t6OEnVpllQBTKHUzyIHQj179/s3264/20231215_101948.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3264" data-original-width="2448" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiB8B1i4AthRkdB3R-pZ9byYHNQ2h7YFLI6qUTOOp7dqRcFMmRMOVulPytG8-8lcCY4Glmtd_sVxz-9Jg6PBMmeBHjp9xX1lEoE1Jh7mj_PGJXstvjp2QTAQT572H_PqcpjO5TkfJ7agrRNRnHaMjY7ev2OYcNw0oZHQbY0t6OEnVpllQBTKHUzyIHQj179/s320/20231215_101948.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The first game, as Memoir 44 so often does, degenerated into a huge tank battle almost at once. I guess the high movement rates, range and firepower of armour encourages players to engage them early.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBNobrKahkYa3CbAlNpx78R5G04EONu4_Icb2txEnGahXhpBtvQlqSTO0OHY9aQdJZzMhKF-xmY_d1ccHSRR8tUi_Bi3IB1OQeLWq4TZu3V6dfH7MmYGuG8mQeO7Dhczq8YwFWiFCkUIPpojMNyUP1ch3wib7MJ8ggznrQNA36ciUFNcca4yMf6Bu2YhhA/s3264/20231215_102405.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2448" data-original-width="3264" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBNobrKahkYa3CbAlNpx78R5G04EONu4_Icb2txEnGahXhpBtvQlqSTO0OHY9aQdJZzMhKF-xmY_d1ccHSRR8tUi_Bi3IB1OQeLWq4TZu3V6dfH7MmYGuG8mQeO7Dhczq8YwFWiFCkUIPpojMNyUP1ch3wib7MJ8ggznrQNA36ciUFNcca4yMf6Bu2YhhA/s320/20231215_102405.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Soon there were damaged and burning tanks scattered all over the desert, with honours roughly even,</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiy8LkhgEgs9Lj3p0mnkSb4dPP_fSxQpUtyFjGk9iF446Bg6lOf6QDbS_OgN_5qJch3acUO7PiJZSOQ3CGyTJWXvoDE2_inb4NX5wQf5aosGjBo-FtmY3mNuI4PLu0DgKYx45Owg4yfediweS-hQF1epX2vveqSaGqpFX2St3WMQ3CqrWv4j_ZEAYC69210/s3264/20231215_103304.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3264" data-original-width="2448" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiy8LkhgEgs9Lj3p0mnkSb4dPP_fSxQpUtyFjGk9iF446Bg6lOf6QDbS_OgN_5qJch3acUO7PiJZSOQ3CGyTJWXvoDE2_inb4NX5wQf5aosGjBo-FtmY3mNuI4PLu0DgKYx45Owg4yfediweS-hQF1epX2vveqSaGqpFX2St3WMQ3CqrWv4j_ZEAYC69210/s320/20231215_103304.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The British tanks heavy armour saved them for a bit longer. By now the German infantry was moving up in support. </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhj-4tDPWk2yADNYl6FLLUYL-XDgHtFANvyJaefJmxFmjJQBEN3aYexSour2IfIz-O_qYT3BgOWsRHBu_d-gB0hWHvVLlxGnoWX4GtpIfHVCdPgQqOCf5fzU7mlth1o03GFfPXc-2ZKJF_jU5IE4t8tOho7nywWlxwzQBoK3lVXEE1iAnAr98mkVLoNaHrC/s3264/20231215_104503.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3264" data-original-width="2448" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhj-4tDPWk2yADNYl6FLLUYL-XDgHtFANvyJaefJmxFmjJQBEN3aYexSour2IfIz-O_qYT3BgOWsRHBu_d-gB0hWHvVLlxGnoWX4GtpIfHVCdPgQqOCf5fzU7mlth1o03GFfPXc-2ZKJF_jU5IE4t8tOho7nywWlxwzQBoK3lVXEE1iAnAr98mkVLoNaHrC/s320/20231215_104503.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">In a shock move, one of the German infantry made a dash for the British base line, using the generally useless 'Behind Enemy Lines' card - which allows one infantry unit to move up to three, fight then move another three.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">There were exit victory hexes behind the Indian position, the German got 1 VP for each unit exited.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8bR-PaL7M8oar7rgWtSFKNGBra9gKv7sDbTLQQkfrznYAKgh1iA7VZxKRZ3gUrOU0AA4TNXkvQdNypGkBbnkP1V4hyszibWckqlCCIEZp_dIgfK4owOWEclWLUOdKFPJBXUWmuFx_W3EsGwCGWrWSlDUCMKnFr0XRMDv4pVfVHBd8GPhOMPBt0neYB1rl/s3264/20231215_104537.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3264" data-original-width="2448" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8bR-PaL7M8oar7rgWtSFKNGBra9gKv7sDbTLQQkfrznYAKgh1iA7VZxKRZ3gUrOU0AA4TNXkvQdNypGkBbnkP1V4hyszibWckqlCCIEZp_dIgfK4owOWEclWLUOdKFPJBXUWmuFx_W3EsGwCGWrWSlDUCMKnFr0XRMDv4pVfVHBd8GPhOMPBt0neYB1rl/s320/20231215_104537.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Somewhat battered, the Germans made it! Well on their way to Egypt. I marked the exit hexes with some of my EWM oil drums and ammo crates. </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLoc5ZVgycn-UG1hwvq17zJOWNfCfowYpVFGgMnZOcnZNyD2F4QmJkV20xf1ov-ygqbiKwOIn0nIPp-z9IcfqjbqTl2OtYk44UD3dz3FAeU1coumsapMuXPzWKym3ib7ZP3HW4SWO8mI1-DAZpv3amuy_CMu4KLwVZL041MGVq3dF36pt2MVDZHN1pyRHi/s3264/20231215_104836.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2448" data-original-width="3264" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLoc5ZVgycn-UG1hwvq17zJOWNfCfowYpVFGgMnZOcnZNyD2F4QmJkV20xf1ov-ygqbiKwOIn0nIPp-z9IcfqjbqTl2OtYk44UD3dz3FAeU1coumsapMuXPzWKym3ib7ZP3HW4SWO8mI1-DAZpv3amuy_CMu4KLwVZL041MGVq3dF36pt2MVDZHN1pyRHi/s320/20231215_104836.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">By now the rest of the Germans were a bit thin on the ground, whereas the Matildas were unscathed.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmDeEu9aiFcPdKBQsKUpzzfksj7YauJGvmtvmQIQDuatNOMPpENR3GQY2HHU-DAVtT6EIodmgHeUWFx4fp1TF3rYyPMt7JhM3aVGU9HpJzUreld3NZ41WnDpq3Q9_RsQ5J0UglCxNksbmBnbbUuKkM8JHMDM3sqxdYfwHVewtCXPPflMcqf3z1yWINzovZ/s3264/20231215_105131.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3264" data-original-width="2448" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmDeEu9aiFcPdKBQsKUpzzfksj7YauJGvmtvmQIQDuatNOMPpENR3GQY2HHU-DAVtT6EIodmgHeUWFx4fp1TF3rYyPMt7JhM3aVGU9HpJzUreld3NZ41WnDpq3Q9_RsQ5J0UglCxNksbmBnbbUuKkM8JHMDM3sqxdYfwHVewtCXPPflMcqf3z1yWINzovZ/s320/20231215_105131.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">They proceeded to run around crunching German units under their tracks, and fairly soon the British claimed a victory.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHBEX_uHLt0DiKk_gmG5fRMc4FX4b4u5f1khVV32y-9MxJRkXWkFvVrCAWiubqlngfnpHhvBcgkTM3FbQtxhbT_SKojoisAHQeVvbRw4uRuYHhYXvNZ_hNCSgE7lNgfgmgqPICN8gC92vQeN3rryHxgVEd3iB0P51mXHSkVdDLtwfJgVDiOtvPEEu5KsNw/s3264/20231215_110211.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3264" data-original-width="2448" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHBEX_uHLt0DiKk_gmG5fRMc4FX4b4u5f1khVV32y-9MxJRkXWkFvVrCAWiubqlngfnpHhvBcgkTM3FbQtxhbT_SKojoisAHQeVvbRw4uRuYHhYXvNZ_hNCSgE7lNgfgmgqPICN8gC92vQeN3rryHxgVEd3iB0P51mXHSkVdDLtwfJgVDiOtvPEEu5KsNw/s320/20231215_110211.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Off we went again for a second go. The players swapped sides, so Pete took the British, Andrew and John took the Germans. In a change of pace, the Germans opened with a huge infantry attack in the centre.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUUXIRiXe681OY-_V7T5k3CLpfUDu9MypoD0dxEMH2isdru018KYLUKMN5vtq0DR3s8IIOsq922B5QOKbYpeb0mfTwE2xTxD8Ep2gEaT2M9OIVYa38t56bgmThutJXCulDsmiiy48KUHzknSxD4NVpQxc3QQn8wLVgsB3VshXkWNy32-gPZpTGRU9H913y/s3264/20231215_110349.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3264" data-original-width="2448" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUUXIRiXe681OY-_V7T5k3CLpfUDu9MypoD0dxEMH2isdru018KYLUKMN5vtq0DR3s8IIOsq922B5QOKbYpeb0mfTwE2xTxD8Ep2gEaT2M9OIVYa38t56bgmThutJXCulDsmiiy48KUHzknSxD4NVpQxc3QQn8wLVgsB3VshXkWNy32-gPZpTGRU9H913y/s320/20231215_110349.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Helped by cards like this one.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPR6o71EIRWBgTcvJwmRtMGQZMY58iposG9tPjd3nXLC-soWTLteC_xaltLMWl_FxJAYIT2vzwlDVONJw8Eaz_7HkKvoDb6CTNHsaanaSKvf9igTCU0sqBWrO47ezjaRSzDLUI9b4njCu3X60c9tVhf9gZQ8BNWTixkyoHcyHzxeedA_oRuFGni7lmDQ3s/s3264/20231215_110425.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3264" data-original-width="2448" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPR6o71EIRWBgTcvJwmRtMGQZMY58iposG9tPjd3nXLC-soWTLteC_xaltLMWl_FxJAYIT2vzwlDVONJw8Eaz_7HkKvoDb6CTNHsaanaSKvf9igTCU0sqBWrO47ezjaRSzDLUI9b4njCu3X60c9tVhf9gZQ8BNWTixkyoHcyHzxeedA_oRuFGni7lmDQ3s/s320/20231215_110425.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Fairly soon the Germans were assaulting the Indian positions on the Ridge. </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXI_gO8fyTTi77Gip_5xfQg2KEJdKXBhvJ8HieYxcH9oyvZ-Wcq8gkkXPrjPGce4NOrW4UhM8NjbNMLgIV_fqona-MneVZk-txzbxE2b16ReNF3Z1LYDiKsSjbFmemzAZjH610WC9fruJ_jnwigeK3aPIarVmpwnO5QV-XYZ48TFlTlvXhDd9WiwaOv1NL/s3264/20231215_110755.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3264" data-original-width="2448" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXI_gO8fyTTi77Gip_5xfQg2KEJdKXBhvJ8HieYxcH9oyvZ-Wcq8gkkXPrjPGce4NOrW4UhM8NjbNMLgIV_fqona-MneVZk-txzbxE2b16ReNF3Z1LYDiKsSjbFmemzAZjH610WC9fruJ_jnwigeK3aPIarVmpwnO5QV-XYZ48TFlTlvXhDd9WiwaOv1NL/s320/20231215_110755.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The leading Indian positions were eventually overwhelmed, but the German infantry was a bit tatty by now. The British armour decided to intervene.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLtQXauS49wtc9-Ho2NS5FH_-qoutAZ-Xn1VThsuPrdKMDq2Ac1ws-z91Y2784j6h8R7438LA91iTuDEvrS-nUGEYrYAAMCpBB97RHrviRpjmwtvokfLKsXp-DzKLMeKLyFnVMcmaXGymMscLpycfV_i_5q-tK9dQOUgq2DEhbGGLWddTO2xUU1hbM5H-T/s3264/20231215_111805.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2448" data-original-width="3264" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLtQXauS49wtc9-Ho2NS5FH_-qoutAZ-Xn1VThsuPrdKMDq2Ac1ws-z91Y2784j6h8R7438LA91iTuDEvrS-nUGEYrYAAMCpBB97RHrviRpjmwtvokfLKsXp-DzKLMeKLyFnVMcmaXGymMscLpycfV_i_5q-tK9dQOUgq2DEhbGGLWddTO2xUU1hbM5H-T/s320/20231215_111805.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">And it all kicked off into another massive tank battle. </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3n5qPJOhDzkZv2f2UMeiWhJJUFwEaPRp-xDY236c58b5j_f2yalOyIJsHS9_kfaLQADdqx1DWF9Kckov7LHUQ0oeosXVF0WdXF3acEJUHo1U-zf9w8c7tMT2eP_gGSJHhAPVgIzdb6qw1ln0_wG7e3zJoYMuybja0FNi8XUSZCAXR6d6Xp2uZacTtJsyf/s3264/20231215_111943.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3264" data-original-width="2448" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3n5qPJOhDzkZv2f2UMeiWhJJUFwEaPRp-xDY236c58b5j_f2yalOyIJsHS9_kfaLQADdqx1DWF9Kckov7LHUQ0oeosXVF0WdXF3acEJUHo1U-zf9w8c7tMT2eP_gGSJHhAPVgIzdb6qw1ln0_wG7e3zJoYMuybja0FNi8XUSZCAXR6d6Xp2uZacTtJsyf/s320/20231215_111943.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Astonishingly, another German unit managed an end run off the table.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGX4rqM2Cwf4THMIGlbmKzlTcrD1j58PxAbfX_Oyvj6O6eDrmVdjiITcWCLX4a3jK3v8IDqeNwt8nS5AhSuYrBi03NbdUB2DLfKkjy097GNoqIcsaP34DD8_zUubMSyTqXdf_2rLo5JkUxF0hU2qeAReb7ltzi_m2l_sLSvWuM92PTT3vHqR5xAklxI9kr/s3264/20231215_112335.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3264" data-original-width="2448" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGX4rqM2Cwf4THMIGlbmKzlTcrD1j58PxAbfX_Oyvj6O6eDrmVdjiITcWCLX4a3jK3v8IDqeNwt8nS5AhSuYrBi03NbdUB2DLfKkjy097GNoqIcsaP34DD8_zUubMSyTqXdf_2rLo5JkUxF0hU2qeAReb7ltzi_m2l_sLSvWuM92PTT3vHqR5xAklxI9kr/s320/20231215_112335.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The Germans had now racked up lots of kills, and the Panzers swarmed this unfortunate Valentine, its demise was enough to give the Germans victory. So that is 1:1 Axis to Allies.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdB1x1oZkw7tFvZ3zMlvxM5ijD_2D-VA8B_uhSWBucQQBlwJdZMtfBuLuLOi6ZSbtEvlux6PgNebspyBZgZockOKUVG5DsY7SoTNDG85KsiOPPH0Sj31j6EOd5ys_cRaKev0lQl2no-QXAEAZgRhk0a4VVEBmaeNOXqJZnFtZ1UnXV10ZYLPrHRLC84mwK/s3264/20231215_114250.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3264" data-original-width="2448" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdB1x1oZkw7tFvZ3zMlvxM5ijD_2D-VA8B_uhSWBucQQBlwJdZMtfBuLuLOi6ZSbtEvlux6PgNebspyBZgZockOKUVG5DsY7SoTNDG85KsiOPPH0Sj31j6EOd5ys_cRaKev0lQl2no-QXAEAZgRhk0a4VVEBmaeNOXqJZnFtZ1UnXV10ZYLPrHRLC84mwK/s320/20231215_114250.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">We then had a big player changeover. Dave took the British and Bish the Germans. These two players were bit less experienced and took a while to think their moves over. The Germans pushed both infantry forward in the centre and tanks forward on the left.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjU0124UG5iwES_QuqHUh_l6ODGKyuXozd4K_HofYWIBh2q8YhpI5M-voT0V2ILaJ-SJjbKBZtioIuMnw_bv96a_bl9YlxZ67rtrSM61i7B_lx8o_nF9Op7-wjAZZHuTcOBDVaRsietZKghumGR48tXF6Uw7sTfudA8RBQgO8y-7rF-6xNrMA3BxsJ3_wPI/s3264/20231215_114704.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3264" data-original-width="2448" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjU0124UG5iwES_QuqHUh_l6ODGKyuXozd4K_HofYWIBh2q8YhpI5M-voT0V2ILaJ-SJjbKBZtioIuMnw_bv96a_bl9YlxZ67rtrSM61i7B_lx8o_nF9Op7-wjAZZHuTcOBDVaRsietZKghumGR48tXF6Uw7sTfudA8RBQgO8y-7rF-6xNrMA3BxsJ3_wPI/s320/20231215_114704.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Once again the Indian right front was engaged.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjC40LMo1ghgzI-F3HZi7rxggwtIcaLI6-xaf44NRA05W29ph0iJe2nZ2Z7QX3A1y1EsgwMRi3xHc66I_b_jz-t5zdO8FfH-QK39asfVA8pVomiHXpa_MTG-E1VNaVbZAmtqbIx_1snnyv74_eGwrpZL8N-4n-3YUDSw4pKm2FVFdcIgaOKkf6AjXnqyljg/s3264/20231215_115340.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3264" data-original-width="2448" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjC40LMo1ghgzI-F3HZi7rxggwtIcaLI6-xaf44NRA05W29ph0iJe2nZ2Z7QX3A1y1EsgwMRi3xHc66I_b_jz-t5zdO8FfH-QK39asfVA8pVomiHXpa_MTG-E1VNaVbZAmtqbIx_1snnyv74_eGwrpZL8N-4n-3YUDSw4pKm2FVFdcIgaOKkf6AjXnqyljg/s320/20231215_115340.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Supported by armour from 15th Panzer on their left.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ59jVMGikfyNcKbzoelUyE9kimkeaTyJ0N-jJNa6LpLtvcsx4_zHYEAFzgJSHRKas0sWPbI1i4fprx0QLUlqsGbAFpWpOC69zgiYBlDSyc7QenGf4PJpFHO37aYGH4UfoP_DigbKLPVHYfVRCHGVJG6oFqrYZNBqaB0j9I2NL4Db0EmvLcG41Mlc6jraX/s3264/20231215_115419.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3264" data-original-width="2448" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ59jVMGikfyNcKbzoelUyE9kimkeaTyJ0N-jJNa6LpLtvcsx4_zHYEAFzgJSHRKas0sWPbI1i4fprx0QLUlqsGbAFpWpOC69zgiYBlDSyc7QenGf4PJpFHO37aYGH4UfoP_DigbKLPVHYfVRCHGVJG6oFqrYZNBqaB0j9I2NL4Db0EmvLcG41Mlc6jraX/s320/20231215_115419.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Having enticed the German tanks, forward, the British played their trump card - Armoured Assault.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjojAYf_DnRniY2LUSqQphOF4ykFKTRBWeDB4GK3jawhRHtKbmwcYPOLNEJTG9WyHN4VIq-SPQ7jTFHi0-RU8u5HV66FZ0hrX57z3zQfuBSGCet-XnziQWQbWaOuR3mmVOP6M_Ihcazm2gG9ivZyOGOMC-mYWTn14pFnyMaW6-BYHn5qLEeViBgd8g4yoRt/s3264/20231215_115756.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3264" data-original-width="2448" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjojAYf_DnRniY2LUSqQphOF4ykFKTRBWeDB4GK3jawhRHtKbmwcYPOLNEJTG9WyHN4VIq-SPQ7jTFHi0-RU8u5HV66FZ0hrX57z3zQfuBSGCet-XnziQWQbWaOuR3mmVOP6M_Ihcazm2gG9ivZyOGOMC-mYWTn14pFnyMaW6-BYHn5qLEeViBgd8g4yoRt/s320/20231215_115756.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">All four British armoured elements rolled forward, and with the combat bonus given by the card, obliterated all four opposing German tank units with minimal losses. </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQaFYCJg-zx-W8v-wy-jCsyHaVufXvnp6XT2Hwr7lkl_ZHMmb93ulXFAn63O-11QuPq0gKNjC7fVVo8NkeHzC9TJHdcSeCZ58fARGcJgggglpj7uvcnnrY30JMt2M4KrKxcig8q9gfnI40GTG5K0BRvXmT3CKdeAEK-mOaQMTV1M8T6IKr8ZbPAycheuH_/s3264/20231215_115850.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3264" data-original-width="2448" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQaFYCJg-zx-W8v-wy-jCsyHaVufXvnp6XT2Hwr7lkl_ZHMmb93ulXFAn63O-11QuPq0gKNjC7fVVo8NkeHzC9TJHdcSeCZ58fARGcJgggglpj7uvcnnrY30JMt2M4KrKxcig8q9gfnI40GTG5K0BRvXmT3CKdeAEK-mOaQMTV1M8T6IKr8ZbPAycheuH_/s320/20231215_115850.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The Germans tried to snatch victory with an all out assault on the Indians.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEij00jdUjt3litoUMPy-N-mlLahyphenhyphenQ5o3-APgObCXyqLJrQ0r8_SCYSNvcaa7zW1fJ-YzEyLeJSsNBTWAuy1nqdzEC8Ok68xqIQu08kApkPoCwxGuKD7syTN6igr0NKnqh77oxU2SLhwmlDjkurdYeEG-MxJdSwES1Fu9wUcKfoni9UVOOyrFDWxLsKgqJKu/s3264/20231215_121113.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3264" data-original-width="2448" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEij00jdUjt3litoUMPy-N-mlLahyphenhyphenQ5o3-APgObCXyqLJrQ0r8_SCYSNvcaa7zW1fJ-YzEyLeJSsNBTWAuy1nqdzEC8Ok68xqIQu08kApkPoCwxGuKD7syTN6igr0NKnqh77oxU2SLhwmlDjkurdYeEG-MxJdSwES1Fu9wUcKfoni9UVOOyrFDWxLsKgqJKu/s320/20231215_121113.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Although it had some success, their earlier losses had been too heavy, and the German attack collapsed. Final score, Allies: 2 Axis:1, which tbh I was a bit surprised at. An interesting feature of this scenario is that both sides have the same command rating, partly to reflect the German surprise at encountering this position I suspect.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">That was a very good scenario, and warrants replay. Each playing took around 45 minutes to an hour, excluding setup. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><p><br /></p>Martin Rapierhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16788664847205341619noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2410063836503200299.post-68615213159947422822024-01-25T00:32:00.000-08:002024-01-25T00:32:41.679-08:0015mm Zvezda Pz IVD<p> The last DAK panzer was this Zvezda Panzer IV D, which I wanted to look like the oldest, most beaten up old clunker in the German Army.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAe7VDW9IueJS6mmp18yllQhlQuwVm1FUZuTmucNVgPrtdkM1_4wgIXd7Sy1NQ1ZplRVWvgHQtHSef9F47wQYd-QJ1lUna-JTB7RzFid4QSE6rLTogtCOM45OpgRtmLqAj5B3NSRfHCMgn_psCay63UOU8ZMbdDZOAqddRGBF7nn9mKLXvIpl7auyRqlrV/s3264/20230915_134512.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2448" data-original-width="3264" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAe7VDW9IueJS6mmp18yllQhlQuwVm1FUZuTmucNVgPrtdkM1_4wgIXd7Sy1NQ1ZplRVWvgHQtHSef9F47wQYd-QJ1lUna-JTB7RzFid4QSE6rLTogtCOM45OpgRtmLqAj5B3NSRfHCMgn_psCay63UOU8ZMbdDZOAqddRGBF7nn9mKLXvIpl7auyRqlrV/s320/20230915_134512.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The model is supplied with a closed turret and no turret bin. It is one of the older Zvezda models so only had four parts, but went together nice and cleanly. I added the aerial deflector to the gun using 0.5mm brass, as it is an iconic feature of the early Pz IVs, and shows up suprisingly well.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgL3APSLA5p-ZNYVVaBxEw6vO4nc39jS6POwHkJcSMfzw8H0DV6dthuxNfdb9oF1EFQ2GlLw-GFsutr_DzH63w76-MFs_CAhFst7ANcBhZqcDb_VmpJ8z4L2KJbN5aR02b5TIkZxLUO8hqQMnUUwGY6ZyJncQL7T03SKnvAj7AmH592OYHnqMImSVXe_pNn/s3264/20230915_134520.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2448" data-original-width="3264" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgL3APSLA5p-ZNYVVaBxEw6vO4nc39jS6POwHkJcSMfzw8H0DV6dthuxNfdb9oF1EFQ2GlLw-GFsutr_DzH63w76-MFs_CAhFst7ANcBhZqcDb_VmpJ8z4L2KJbN5aR02b5TIkZxLUO8hqQMnUUwGY6ZyJncQL7T03SKnvAj7AmH592OYHnqMImSVXe_pNn/s320/20230915_134520.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">You can see the early pattern stepped hull front and square bow MG position very clearly. Lots of lovely detail brought out by the wash and drybrush. They grey basecoat shows nicely through the upper layers of sand.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgM6ONllvBIPkLG_eouywVbBo5roTq7EpyUTN-BkS4V7163xY0D5WdM8I0DsZBhq0Eo2RYCRUaLMClvkMmTawfWuOHCQ6ClgDHawttANKn7S99ci9KTqlz2rSn7xsXLi3MkdaxYfmO5TW_zaODUqv7O6cHFDomt-epnUvAtNgnP-Cxm3kGCxMQwzq77Nbuf/s3264/20230915_134529.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2448" data-original-width="3264" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgM6ONllvBIPkLG_eouywVbBo5roTq7EpyUTN-BkS4V7163xY0D5WdM8I0DsZBhq0Eo2RYCRUaLMClvkMmTawfWuOHCQ6ClgDHawttANKn7S99ci9KTqlz2rSn7xsXLi3MkdaxYfmO5TW_zaODUqv7O6cHFDomt-epnUvAtNgnP-Cxm3kGCxMQwzq77Nbuf/s320/20230915_134529.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">As a bin less Pz IV turret just looks...wierd, I added lots of external stowage. PSC Jerrycan and helmet/blanket roll. The heap of junk on the engine deck is from a BF M10 tank destroyer I think.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJkZcPFbGTTSF48ViI1JbgIOQ5VceDrmZmTSk70EpCLctQRP8HAuDzLmo-MikAZ94rhBjTQlJVvPSJhrBVzaExqaOc_ywrDcvHBPQg-Ny1swilLFjJUIA0BQ7APm-3OU-JODdLcHd_t-HT7c5ZuiaFSYffkeiWEUuKCImzmjHFJS1-0VRC6i82u9WlgslG/s3264/20230915_134537.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2448" data-original-width="3264" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJkZcPFbGTTSF48ViI1JbgIOQ5VceDrmZmTSk70EpCLctQRP8HAuDzLmo-MikAZ94rhBjTQlJVvPSJhrBVzaExqaOc_ywrDcvHBPQg-Ny1swilLFjJUIA0BQ7APm-3OU-JODdLcHd_t-HT7c5ZuiaFSYffkeiWEUuKCImzmjHFJS1-0VRC6i82u9WlgslG/s320/20230915_134537.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">For the overall paint scheme on this one, I went with one of the very, very hastily painted vehicles. So not only have the turret numbers and crosses been left with a grey background, but the lower hull sides are also still panzer grey - some Grants and Shermans had similar schemes with the lower hulls left in OD.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Anyway, it adds to its beaten up appearance I feel.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEic4YeBdPUc7ZiOxxCnsOR-Q1h7hD9aiKm_LUXtFP1ES6T3icQ1Ssruv9hlfsOUrhJoDrmw1DZ9hEA7z1M4ciWaJbqPpn8APhepE74EVJyVkKBnrky-aOU7IYSkhlIxm7UPBWElvX3RmJbkRXjGaIABT6ZcIZBNbAj2YXOMRCunpy5xav5J-Os-RmVS7TPi/s3264/20230915_134603.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2448" data-original-width="3264" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEic4YeBdPUc7ZiOxxCnsOR-Q1h7hD9aiKm_LUXtFP1ES6T3icQ1Ssruv9hlfsOUrhJoDrmw1DZ9hEA7z1M4ciWaJbqPpn8APhepE74EVJyVkKBnrky-aOU7IYSkhlIxm7UPBWElvX3RmJbkRXjGaIABT6ZcIZBNbAj2YXOMRCunpy5xav5J-Os-RmVS7TPi/s320/20230915_134603.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">And here is Bruce Quarries 'representative panzer company' marching across the dining table.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Now I just need to assemble and paint all the other panzer, but this lot will do for now. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><p><br /></p>Martin Rapierhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16788664847205341619noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2410063836503200299.post-48353232526651165772024-01-22T23:46:00.000-08:002024-01-22T23:46:17.725-08:00Magnetic Hit Markers<p> Regular readers will have observed I use a variety of hit markers to record unit statuses.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjo5JSNrN6aBbXdlmoj7ZkWagR_utAor30Fj9DIaDX51r6DB4hwRIBh4MfES-SSZGL9VK6BFmPAqdH0n809qBjlW-e5wOB-cBNvtCllYASsrMruSmPcoieAF0v4TL7VkDKVdur2-YFw3z_LIWz4EQp4QdNzlyzp5B-RWY54emkWUVs-vVD7HmZ9bzMapGO_/s3264/20231215_141922.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2448" data-original-width="3264" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjo5JSNrN6aBbXdlmoj7ZkWagR_utAor30Fj9DIaDX51r6DB4hwRIBh4MfES-SSZGL9VK6BFmPAqdH0n809qBjlW-e5wOB-cBNvtCllYASsrMruSmPcoieAF0v4TL7VkDKVdur2-YFw3z_LIWz4EQp4QdNzlyzp5B-RWY54emkWUVs-vVD7HmZ9bzMapGO_/s320/20231215_141922.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The old favourite are tile spacers. Cheap, effective and sit well on many types of unit bases, but perhaps a bit unsightly at times and you can end up with little piles of them following units around.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpiGjMC1ZDJoJrjqvohA3MgWqOz3nwawcdY1nkzaMZrFiKElHnoFD0YSPMaEFYQUeeqG0nvOBnQgJZkSXicXHRJqoEnHz0sAlrVrl42PEgofCg9sIVLUuPHJXwD0_IweCkEJLdy4w_s0moUZZnoal_5H6QVDbSAu9Q24NYU50ZzvofGoLogbZMf_W9OYe0/s3264/20231205_132219.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2448" data-original-width="3264" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpiGjMC1ZDJoJrjqvohA3MgWqOz3nwawcdY1nkzaMZrFiKElHnoFD0YSPMaEFYQUeeqG0nvOBnQgJZkSXicXHRJqoEnHz0sAlrVrl42PEgofCg9sIVLUuPHJXwD0_IweCkEJLdy4w_s0moUZZnoal_5H6QVDbSAu9Q24NYU50ZzvofGoLogbZMf_W9OYe0/s320/20231205_132219.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I also use cotton wool puffs in white and black. Also OK, but can get a bit overwhelming en masse. I know Waterloo was a bloody battle, but really...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUV5R3YMpvtjZh7uaRKw3JBda5F-ZZ4QwvqJZQ63Hri5Ou3ij_8IpE76sgFvL7LkaI1tRJ-QYDU3yS2LZJYBDKvSNj0XF7yEWsXPnqXCCFK_05AiEcGClOW7eWWdoR-rwFbRPShIuBB756-KIqF25VBqFrf3UG7Gn-inJlBLzSq2ty97b1s0P7uGPm_TKn/s800/20231017_204655.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUV5R3YMpvtjZh7uaRKw3JBda5F-ZZ4QwvqJZQ63Hri5Ou3ij_8IpE76sgFvL7LkaI1tRJ-QYDU3yS2LZJYBDKvSNj0XF7yEWsXPnqXCCFK_05AiEcGClOW7eWWdoR-rwFbRPShIuBB756-KIqF25VBqFrf3UG7Gn-inJlBLzSq2ty97b1s0P7uGPm_TKn/s320/20231017_204655.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I've also been using 8mm mini dice on magnetic mounts on my sabot bases for a while. These work OK and are quite unobtrusive. As they are mounted on the unit bases they also follow the units around neatly. The biggest problem is that it is very easy to forget how many hits are on the dice when adding (or removing) extra ones, a problem with using dice to track hits in general. It is worse when you manage to drop them on the table with your big fat fingers.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Anyway, most of my models have magnetic strip mounted on the rear edge, so I thought I'd make some magnetic hit markers to mount on them. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ0fN9qB4GmjcMNvgTXQl5QVmedMcv-OkSMIMKLhXuO7c9yn3lSgscZzVotmT0AfF9E0ro_Cm7HBalIEj5-MxuGthKfNbTB1Bcp5-_js0TU9FJMZgm1oaw8XuGne5dAxrR3Ho3A6PXl2f5cEvjuOEhl5bXewyHOdxYb3RtA0dQv7VqZAGt3oy880YwxRgv/s3264/20231218_094858.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3264" data-original-width="2448" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ0fN9qB4GmjcMNvgTXQl5QVmedMcv-OkSMIMKLhXuO7c9yn3lSgscZzVotmT0AfF9E0ro_Cm7HBalIEj5-MxuGthKfNbTB1Bcp5-_js0TU9FJMZgm1oaw8XuGne5dAxrR3Ho3A6PXl2f5cEvjuOEhl5bXewyHOdxYb3RtA0dQv7VqZAGt3oy880YwxRgv/s320/20231218_094858.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Not very exciting perhaps! They are are steel paper mounted on both sides of 10mm card squares. I marked them up using dice style markings as I find them more immediately readable than numbers.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Now, I already have piles of similar counters for Megablitz, but they are single sided, with the number portion hidden, so not much use for what I had in mind.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl9TDoGX1rhrY-XpNx6k4vRMVRsjPpVUhl0P2mMTmICDmjHJkYmhevHaAbjmNt56LzVmDr0oFUMoNlUE-r-WKmnnsbGd2MEF_0CtjWU7i0OmEZxSxvYt1qb79-qM9rgUWm5u4KyBeIv7HO0S_zsCOMMRw0fyRA3sK9vZRf6VUWh_W9KsfgG9UA3LHNTZL6/s3264/20231218_094956.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3264" data-original-width="2448" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl9TDoGX1rhrY-XpNx6k4vRMVRsjPpVUhl0P2mMTmICDmjHJkYmhevHaAbjmNt56LzVmDr0oFUMoNlUE-r-WKmnnsbGd2MEF_0CtjWU7i0OmEZxSxvYt1qb79-qM9rgUWm5u4KyBeIv7HO0S_zsCOMMRw0fyRA3sK9vZRf6VUWh_W9KsfgG9UA3LHNTZL6/s320/20231218_094956.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">They are also reversible so each counter is 1/2, 3/4, 5/6, with a different tone for the even numbers. I did the different tone deliberately as it is much more visually memorable if you accidentally knock some off the base and they flip over.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I did consider doing them as opposed dice sides (1/6, 2/5, 3/4) but it is easier to flip them from 1->2 etc. </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5ybGJ-IQlz9fhmF3FcF2NgIvZJnwu9FDAo7dasdva__AjD_kq2rVyZUdK7Y0yHY-CVtkIy1GXKfPdhRQb9QT6avTSWmp2-YHbOudMUKMSeDBad3lwnwy2nEfTa772pIDCi8JyFRgnVq9f2hTsI9hlFVGwv9Oi4Va5NJDb4c8WHrcWAydI_IUeOvpC_dT3/s3264/20231218_095118.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3264" data-original-width="2448" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5ybGJ-IQlz9fhmF3FcF2NgIvZJnwu9FDAo7dasdva__AjD_kq2rVyZUdK7Y0yHY-CVtkIy1GXKfPdhRQb9QT6avTSWmp2-YHbOudMUKMSeDBad3lwnwy2nEfTa772pIDCi8JyFRgnVq9f2hTsI9hlFVGwv9Oi4Va5NJDb4c8WHrcWAydI_IUeOvpC_dT3/s320/20231218_095118.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Anyway, they can either be mounted on the magnetic squares on the bases or just dumped on engine decks or whatever. Mmm, perhaps they are a bit big? Well, time will tell. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I'll see how I get on using those, even if they are only useful in certain circumstances they give me a few more options and didn't take long to make. I can always make slightly smaller ones if needs be but I'll try these first.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX2ZH4YwrKwRSZDACOvazpe2sg8393_AIFkk14QWSXenvUeG9V9v9z79mF-nR-LKH09p0PHuh21DiQTRfJQCThTMZJsCRCuqRhyphenhyphens0WNd6d12tDEJtMAvcKoiI9JqAMaWEYctermDaL7r0dKB3AI_b_dHTYw-mUc7GOec-xBXugSyiAmitLL22xWBpM4rvz/s3264/20231219_144910.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2448" data-original-width="3264" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX2ZH4YwrKwRSZDACOvazpe2sg8393_AIFkk14QWSXenvUeG9V9v9z79mF-nR-LKH09p0PHuh21DiQTRfJQCThTMZJsCRCuqRhyphenhyphens0WNd6d12tDEJtMAvcKoiI9JqAMaWEYctermDaL7r0dKB3AI_b_dHTYw-mUc7GOec-xBXugSyiAmitLL22xWBpM4rvz/s320/20231219_144910.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">On my sabot bases they look OK. But on my first trial here I discovered the black spots were all rubbing off the markers. I must have used a non permanent pen by accident. I redid them all with a Sharpie and then they were fine, although I later discovered that Id missed a few. </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><p><br /></p>Martin Rapierhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16788664847205341619noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2410063836503200299.post-41190320140930958562024-01-20T00:31:00.000-08:002024-01-20T00:31:25.239-08:00Command and Colours Day<p> We had another trip up to Tapton Hall for a Friday of f2f gaming before Christmas , and this time it was another Command and Colours Day. I was pleased to be able to go as I'd missed the last one and I enjoy the CnC game series. This time Tim and I both offered to put games on. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipZZ0FsH7IXKN9_OD7PQZD8_C1inuQEEuPdk1YBAq33d-GHPwHjc0uFBEOkWcuvXCLqnylQO6HNXtGM3daxVwc_2dsibm7H9n-nCRPmK6AjfnhLRns_LvJwvSHllMdLiHsWAAARuuuaQfyAr91YV1QEqE3QLcuvR5hGZSAoabIcu6fEs71a-kcN9bc1foP/s3264/20231215_093912.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2448" data-original-width="3264" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipZZ0FsH7IXKN9_OD7PQZD8_C1inuQEEuPdk1YBAq33d-GHPwHjc0uFBEOkWcuvXCLqnylQO6HNXtGM3daxVwc_2dsibm7H9n-nCRPmK6AjfnhLRns_LvJwvSHllMdLiHsWAAARuuuaQfyAr91YV1QEqE3QLcuvR5hGZSAoabIcu6fEs71a-kcN9bc1foP/s320/20231215_093912.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Tim put on a Risorgimento scenario using a variant of Battle Cry. Yes, they are 54mm figures!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTk0bBJae2Gp0hIWzcHDwQKUO3GI2mEgKnDmORB_2UpVLpitBUq6B-mbi1rbnVNt9sl0deobtXmY81x2nREbeViwlL18bf-alxM-WzWaF1mlBeWMyrSkqFMkOclThR3KGlKcuP1eMxkBnrHNGM5TNC21fw9Akn7zNdqU3FUNm-Bgm2POOIm-i0sw7wmQ00/s3264/20231215_093846.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2448" data-original-width="3264" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTk0bBJae2Gp0hIWzcHDwQKUO3GI2mEgKnDmORB_2UpVLpitBUq6B-mbi1rbnVNt9sl0deobtXmY81x2nREbeViwlL18bf-alxM-WzWaF1mlBeWMyrSkqFMkOclThR3KGlKcuP1eMxkBnrHNGM5TNC21fw9Akn7zNdqU3FUNm-Bgm2POOIm-i0sw7wmQ00/s320/20231215_093846.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">While I put on my Memoir 44 variant, Memoir 45. This scenario covered the battle at Sidi Omar during Rommels 'dash to the wire' in late 1941. This was using my new WW2 15mm desert stuff.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">We'd originally planned to take it in turns running games, but so many people turned up, we ran both game simultaneously. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeaSfW_vYC7pg2ISvj9-c5SZOrmH3p6yu1C_aNO76DtdcyfbN9zOmAChOroxTkYBZhocs1u0-oM6NavjUi2uYAqiFkW88o8sZAE5VWwRLGRB7qSnQf0Wi_qCTbqcGPw6tsQKKg8-vz9ieKOQjAeBnshvGHUigATdXc0BC2TA0hiE3FBFnKxWh2hDHZfbcO/s3264/20231215_093825.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2448" data-original-width="3264" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeaSfW_vYC7pg2ISvj9-c5SZOrmH3p6yu1C_aNO76DtdcyfbN9zOmAChOroxTkYBZhocs1u0-oM6NavjUi2uYAqiFkW88o8sZAE5VWwRLGRB7qSnQf0Wi_qCTbqcGPw6tsQKKg8-vz9ieKOQjAeBnshvGHUigATdXc0BC2TA0hiE3FBFnKxWh2hDHZfbcO/s320/20231215_093825.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">3rd Indian Motorised Brigade faces off against 21st Panzer Div. I managed to run this scenario three times (with various combinations of players) before lunch. Tim managed to run his game twice.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">We then had an excellent Christmas Dinner with all the trimmings.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjeoND37fZZwaLhYxOuG8MI5SbNqhyphenhyphenWI0V8KvjJmYbCQJrXrloX3UfbTu4roKX6ME9aScIjdl3wpL9RIz-5ZYZ1E1nJrla_Xh1cfPem-hFVHSikug_8KFvyXZzj7vQMIuA_ljRa4OAvxYouQjLtvbJd7m_tVbdPGd4C0rts1a3XXn35KN0kckeLvq3bJJ0/s3264/20231215_131922.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2448" data-original-width="3264" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjeoND37fZZwaLhYxOuG8MI5SbNqhyphenhyphenWI0V8KvjJmYbCQJrXrloX3UfbTu4roKX6ME9aScIjdl3wpL9RIz-5ZYZ1E1nJrla_Xh1cfPem-hFVHSikug_8KFvyXZzj7vQMIuA_ljRa4OAvxYouQjLtvbJd7m_tVbdPGd4C0rts1a3XXn35KN0kckeLvq3bJJ0/s320/20231215_131922.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">After lunch, we set up two new scenarios. Tims featured a river, including a gunboat!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCDIAB5UAOwMvoDGX4lWYFxGcIOjXon6Tq1SF8WN60gnTdctwnS_0dSPQlWITu7_CItTlJeJz_AHL1ltjeRlGJKWzheBCf0HLusGhTC-idDqEHZeWeJkZUqx0Nu8Sl7hDpYd08kepo2RJV8OJgMhtnvq-zRT8Zof-HTKlGAg2Gu7vPXo2KDoGELVNYLIrn/s3264/20231215_142712.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3264" data-original-width="2448" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCDIAB5UAOwMvoDGX4lWYFxGcIOjXon6Tq1SF8WN60gnTdctwnS_0dSPQlWITu7_CItTlJeJz_AHL1ltjeRlGJKWzheBCf0HLusGhTC-idDqEHZeWeJkZUqx0Nu8Sl7hDpYd08kepo2RJV8OJgMhtnvq-zRT8Zof-HTKlGAg2Gu7vPXo2KDoGELVNYLIrn/s320/20231215_142712.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The Neapolitans were holding a town on the edge of the river, assailed by Garibaldis rabble.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_TwF0_j9GqWmrzfYol6KBeW0FzfDNiw6hp-YFBa13ZA4qbsJTJ0OXnm6qgTUvvYn086lxMeUqKbLQpaYYovALi6AjOezpQoy7yLMPXl3iD6xOVKFVob7d_LTGcSY410SR7JzfR_8Fryo_ACAIM94y1NSUFAbrx0Lzcu0epRTMO3Ar4yqh4Fc_b08PcmBI/s3264/20231215_142717.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3264" data-original-width="2448" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_TwF0_j9GqWmrzfYol6KBeW0FzfDNiw6hp-YFBa13ZA4qbsJTJ0OXnm6qgTUvvYn086lxMeUqKbLQpaYYovALi6AjOezpQoy7yLMPXl3iD6xOVKFVob7d_LTGcSY410SR7JzfR_8Fryo_ACAIM94y1NSUFAbrx0Lzcu0epRTMO3Ar4yqh4Fc_b08PcmBI/s320/20231215_142717.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The gunboat took a bit of a battering. Tim ran this game twice.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhB4zifzfV7NhTHNGMVYRD-J0sXCjfMmHhHuyZmgdqPV3I01A_Ow0wwpv5viSWRTe93ySOucyNRTM1pZTh79oamaoUeWPt5MeJfPhgnzHYhtKtHI7F57mv4Sj2Z0YOUI19MvqdQ6Nen04gmJ0FqCbnPwZ0ILbg76Z8hY7VXaQerjL2v6YzYZqgZBayUsDI8/s3264/20231215_133114.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3264" data-original-width="2448" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhB4zifzfV7NhTHNGMVYRD-J0sXCjfMmHhHuyZmgdqPV3I01A_Ow0wwpv5viSWRTe93ySOucyNRTM1pZTh79oamaoUeWPt5MeJfPhgnzHYhtKtHI7F57mv4Sj2Z0YOUI19MvqdQ6Nen04gmJ0FqCbnPwZ0ILbg76Z8hY7VXaQerjL2v6YzYZqgZBayUsDI8/s320/20231215_133114.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I set up the Halfaya Pass scenario for Memoir 45 which I'd solo played previously. This one was a bit more challenging for the players as it features masses of fixed defences, including many minefields.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwq7FbczlNFbxwpbfvLQDhgw2k4U77MFHrcD7G52sJetpADTErbOWumxeZDbXD_lf_VXNNKZ0HpxpJHAP-YFhc-PslOK1RMaejSQAI1vToRY6Q50al9NDP8n_7wM8Bz3msgdZg6zniq360JwxCrytIqpCFf_GfAWcXBWLPRpRmYPRBvowbJKIHUm9UgYK3/s3264/20231215_140922.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2448" data-original-width="3264" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwq7FbczlNFbxwpbfvLQDhgw2k4U77MFHrcD7G52sJetpADTErbOWumxeZDbXD_lf_VXNNKZ0HpxpJHAP-YFhc-PslOK1RMaejSQAI1vToRY6Q50al9NDP8n_7wM8Bz3msgdZg6zniq360JwxCrytIqpCFf_GfAWcXBWLPRpRmYPRBvowbJKIHUm9UgYK3/s320/20231215_140922.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Matildas break through in the centre!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I managed to run this one twice, but after running five games in a row, I was a bit knackered.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguocGy1pOZl-xIukxXm06rU3H7MLu7Fz40oWSjKypV3NwMDl0v4tQFhuYs97g4Y4453TmOVe0w0D_t9I719qVlDtbNtMPIH_PPrU-lWm-HPe9fbZ0HFEwPrLtV4Eg4vs2lYAVo6Tgc599EgwkbjsC0BCMCcmE_sS6mkMycqxglQHswxkUHNojuj97Cts3q/s3264/20231215_093940.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2448" data-original-width="3264" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguocGy1pOZl-xIukxXm06rU3H7MLu7Fz40oWSjKypV3NwMDl0v4tQFhuYs97g4Y4453TmOVe0w0D_t9I719qVlDtbNtMPIH_PPrU-lWm-HPe9fbZ0HFEwPrLtV4Eg4vs2lYAVo6Tgc599EgwkbjsC0BCMCcmE_sS6mkMycqxglQHswxkUHNojuj97Cts3q/s320/20231215_093940.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">A bonus was Tims various boxes of surplus toys. I'd already ordered some surplus 6mm WW2 infantry, but this box of 1/144th scale planes was great fun to rummage through. All the desert camo planes disappeared into my bag. I was strongly tempted by the Liberator, but I've got enough four engined bombers already I think.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">What a great day out and good way to get set up for Christmas. I'll report on the games themselves separately.</div><br /><p><br /></p>Martin Rapierhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16788664847205341619noreply@blogger.com4