An interesting page. Some nice drawings and may be of interest to anyone who plays skirmish games.
Thursday, 6 October 2011
WW2 German Fortifications Russia 43 - Drawings
http://www.allworldwars.com/German%20Field%20Fortifications%20on%20the%20Eastern%20Front.html
An interesting page. Some nice drawings and may be of interest to anyone who plays skirmish games.
An interesting page. Some nice drawings and may be of interest to anyone who plays skirmish games.
Tuesday, 4 October 2011
Wargames Shows Discussion - Demo v Participation Games.
We have had this debate in our gaming group now and then. And the recent Derby show, prompted another bout of on it.
Why do people run "Demonstration" games?
When I am wandering around a gaming show, like the one at Derby last weekend. I do like to look and watch some of the games going on. But I am completely baffled when I see a "Demonstration" game, being run by a club/organisation. Where four or five people sit/stand and play a game, usually on a big table layout, which has been nicely done, with some lovely miniatures and no public interaction.
Personally I think games like this should be discouraged from shows. I had it put to me, when I raised this point in general discussion, with one such table (not at Derby) that they were demonstrating the rules and figure range, and they did not wish the public to handle the figures.
I just couldn't understand their attitude at all. As I see it, and feel free to disagree. Demonstrating figure ranges, is for the trade stands, and how does a group of gamers, playing a game, demonstrate a game? When the public cannot get involved.
If I am not involved, in rolling dice, commanding forces or moving figures, then yes I might stand for a moment and watch, but that's about it. I will move on. There is nothing engaging about watching others at a show play games. So why do the show organisers allow these people to just fill up space? What are they contributing to the show?
I far prefer Participation games. Ones where you are firstly made to feel welcome in taking part. Where those running it take the time to explain things and are interested in showing how it works etc. The one thing I do wish is, more participation games, would have better clear and concise information on the game, the scenario, the rules being used and the figure and table. Some do this really well, but some sadly don't. Nice clear information boards with big font sizes are always handy. And a map.
There are big chunks of history I have only a rudimentary knowledge of. I blame that on dire history teachers, who could have bored the skin of an orange! But I digress. So when I see an interesting table, say ancients, I won't know which sides are which (unless they are Romans and Celt's) and if I cannot see/find the info, I tend to just move on to see what other tables there are. And I am sure I am not alone in doing so.
Why do people run "Demonstration" games?
When I am wandering around a gaming show, like the one at Derby last weekend. I do like to look and watch some of the games going on. But I am completely baffled when I see a "Demonstration" game, being run by a club/organisation. Where four or five people sit/stand and play a game, usually on a big table layout, which has been nicely done, with some lovely miniatures and no public interaction.
Personally I think games like this should be discouraged from shows. I had it put to me, when I raised this point in general discussion, with one such table (not at Derby) that they were demonstrating the rules and figure range, and they did not wish the public to handle the figures.
I just couldn't understand their attitude at all. As I see it, and feel free to disagree. Demonstrating figure ranges, is for the trade stands, and how does a group of gamers, playing a game, demonstrate a game? When the public cannot get involved.
If I am not involved, in rolling dice, commanding forces or moving figures, then yes I might stand for a moment and watch, but that's about it. I will move on. There is nothing engaging about watching others at a show play games. So why do the show organisers allow these people to just fill up space? What are they contributing to the show?
I far prefer Participation games. Ones where you are firstly made to feel welcome in taking part. Where those running it take the time to explain things and are interested in showing how it works etc. The one thing I do wish is, more participation games, would have better clear and concise information on the game, the scenario, the rules being used and the figure and table. Some do this really well, but some sadly don't. Nice clear information boards with big font sizes are always handy. And a map.
There are big chunks of history I have only a rudimentary knowledge of. I blame that on dire history teachers, who could have bored the skin of an orange! But I digress. So when I see an interesting table, say ancients, I won't know which sides are which (unless they are Romans and Celt's) and if I cannot see/find the info, I tend to just move on to see what other tables there are. And I am sure I am not alone in doing so.
Monday, 3 October 2011
JTFM 1/56 WW2 Vehicles - Price Reduction
A bit of news from over on TMP: http://theminiaturespage.com/news/925347/
Jeff has reduced his prices on some of his range. And the price reduction should be passed onto their sub suppliers. So hopefully here in the UK, might seen them dip.
As far as 1/56th scale WW2 vehicles go. JTFMs range is the best in terms of detail and range. Warlord are still expanding theirs, but I have found the detailing on JTFM models is quite something indeed. The only issue has been in last twelve months, Bob at Wargames Command post has stopped stocking them, which is a shame, as the prices have edged up too.
Still one of the best ranges and well worth a look. Currently available from Great Escape Games and North Star in the UK. Or direct from them;
http://www.diewaffenkammer.com/index.html
These two examples of the Panzer IVs and the Shermans from JTFM are from Troops of Shew painting service. Though he has obviously done a fair bit extra to these, the basic models each comes with a big bag stowage, track sections, ammo boxes etc, that you can happily spent hours sticking on and placing to make each vehile an individual. I just wish I could paint mine that well.
Jeff has reduced his prices on some of his range. And the price reduction should be passed onto their sub suppliers. So hopefully here in the UK, might seen them dip.
As far as 1/56th scale WW2 vehicles go. JTFMs range is the best in terms of detail and range. Warlord are still expanding theirs, but I have found the detailing on JTFM models is quite something indeed. The only issue has been in last twelve months, Bob at Wargames Command post has stopped stocking them, which is a shame, as the prices have edged up too.
Still one of the best ranges and well worth a look. Currently available from Great Escape Games and North Star in the UK. Or direct from them;
http://www.diewaffenkammer.com/index.html
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| Photo by Troops of Shew reproduced from TMP |
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| Photo by Troops of Shew reproduced from TMP |
Sunday, 2 October 2011
Derby Wargames Show 1st Oct 2011 Photos and Report
Up at 5.30am. Picked up club mates at 7.00am. Picked up another club mate at 8am and on our way to Derby. Roads clear, sunny hot day, and so got to venue for 9.00am.
Not allowed in this year till 9.30am. (Previousl years been allowed to get food, in cafe, but not this year).
The show layout was the usual. Though this year they had some demo games in a hall to the rear of the main one. Which had to be accessed from the out side. This was poorly sign posted really and I think a lot of people didn't realise they were there at all. Assuming it was part of the competition.
There were some lovely demonstration games and even some participation games. This one above had some stunning scratch build scenery.
Ainsty Casting were back and with a range of new releases from Pirate ships to Captain Scarlet figures and mad scientists. Some lovely pieces and I can see a few winding their way into my collection at a later date. The pirate ships were impressive lumps of resin and with nice white metal detailing.
Captain Scarlet - had to ressist very hard, from buying these.
I was keen to see Operation Squad, being played. As warlord had dumped "Rules of Engagement" it seems in favour of their own rule set. Not seen it played and so watched with interest. My first impressions I have to say, was not good. The game seemed too complex, and it did not grab me. I had a quick flick through the rule book (see photo below). Production wise I was, dissapointed. Its not perfect bound, the ink was rubbing off several pages from use and, though there are images etc in side. I was not impressed enough to buy it. I think I will stick with RoE for my platoon games and our home rules for squad ones.
The Operation Squad Rule book and a few tokens. See comment above.
On a up point, I did like this Roman 28mm game. The table was nice and I could feel myself thinking it would be nice to do ancients. But not this year.. thats one for about 2020 at my current rate.
Now for something tiny.. 6mm.. The gettysberg game was impressive for the tables detailing and miniatures. Though the table is more like 2mm scale. The chap running it was very helpfull and enthusiastic and i can see a lot of effort went into it. I know very little on ACW. Its like ancients a period I would like to game but not yet. He obviously loved the period and was well read on the subject. And won the friendliest demo game award from me, for theshow.
In complete contrast is this WW2 game. I stood and watched and tried to find out what it was about. The two chaps I saw playing it, ignored me! So I carried on. Table looked interesting, but if you are not prepared to talk to show-goers why are you there?
OK, I couldn't find any info on this game, and I must have cought them at lunch or something. See empty chairs.
I did like the figures and scenery. Some nice work.
The roman game. Hmmm tempting.
A very nice ECW game. Another period I know little on and hold little interest at the moment. But hats off to them for a nice table and lovely figures.
I thought Tomorrow's War was not out yet or Ambush Valley for Force on Force. But there were copies for sale from Caliver. I did not indulge, as I have the original Ambush Valley.
So over all a fun day out with friends. The lack of personal hygene issues were evident again. I had to vacate the bring and buy on two occasions. . The rugby fans were screaming when England Won, wathcing the tele in the main hall a trader I presume had brought.
The food and drink in the cafe was ok. Not too pricy. The living history and re-enactors were present, and had some nice bits to see and talk about.
My overall spend was about £21 on four books and a pot of basetex paint from colourparty. So not the biggest shopping trip, but a fun and relaxing day out. Weather was a definite benefit.
So thats it, I think for the year, show wise now!
Not allowed in this year till 9.30am. (Previousl years been allowed to get food, in cafe, but not this year).
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| The main hall lower area. |
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| Main hall ramp way. Offensive miniatures on left. |
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| Demo game. The churches on this board were scratch built. Lovely! |
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| The table was very nice. Infact I thought was the nicest there. |
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| A scratch build, that was very very nicely done. |
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| Ainsty has a new range of 28mm figures. Inc Captain Scarlet! |
Ainsty Casting were back and with a range of new releases from Pirate ships to Captain Scarlet figures and mad scientists. Some lovely pieces and I can see a few winding their way into my collection at a later date. The pirate ships were impressive lumps of resin and with nice white metal detailing.
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| New Pirate Ship models from Ainsty. These are lovely. |
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| Ainsty sewer setup. |
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| 28mm Captain Scarlet figures and scientists. Nice. |
Captain Scarlet - had to ressist very hard, from buying these.
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| Ainsty have some new released out and their range is still expanding. |
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| Warlord Games Operation Squad Demo Game |
I was keen to see Operation Squad, being played. As warlord had dumped "Rules of Engagement" it seems in favour of their own rule set. Not seen it played and so watched with interest. My first impressions I have to say, was not good. The game seemed too complex, and it did not grab me. I had a quick flick through the rule book (see photo below). Production wise I was, dissapointed. Its not perfect bound, the ink was rubbing off several pages from use and, though there are images etc in side. I was not impressed enough to buy it. I think I will stick with RoE for my platoon games and our home rules for squad ones.
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| Warlord Games Operation Squad Demo Game |
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| Warlord Games Operation Squad Rule Book - Tokens etc. |
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| 28mm Romans Game. Nice! |
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| 6mm Gettysburg Game - Impressive as it was about 2x2' in size. |
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| Desert WW2 game. No one would tell me what it was about. |
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| Nice board, not the most forthcoming demonstration. |
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| Nice board, again no info easy to find. |
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| See above. |
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| Like the models and terrain. |
I did like the figures and scenery. Some nice work.
The roman game. Hmmm tempting.
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| Nice Roman Game in 28mm |
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| ECW game in 28mm |
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| Middle floor area in Main Hall |
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| Some 28mm / 1:48 scale resin terrain. |
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| Field Works no longer do their 28mm items any more. Shame. |
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| Tomorrow's War by Ambush Alley on Caliver Books Stand along with Ambush Valley for Force on Force. |
So over all a fun day out with friends. The lack of personal hygene issues were evident again. I had to vacate the bring and buy on two occasions. . The rugby fans were screaming when England Won, wathcing the tele in the main hall a trader I presume had brought.
The food and drink in the cafe was ok. Not too pricy. The living history and re-enactors were present, and had some nice bits to see and talk about.
My overall spend was about £21 on four books and a pot of basetex paint from colourparty. So not the biggest shopping trip, but a fun and relaxing day out. Weather was a definite benefit.
So thats it, I think for the year, show wise now!
Friday, 30 September 2011
Off to Derby World Wargames - As sponsored by Warlord Games.. caaaatchiiing!
Well it is not too often I feel the thrumb of excitement, but it feels like an age since Triples earlier this year. And so am off to Derby University this weekend for the World Wargames Show.. as sponsored by Warlord Games..
Usually Derby is one of the last events for the year, though we have been to Pudsey in the past. This year however, with the fact I have limited my gaming projects and am currently out of work.
Derby is a walk in, wander around, see what bits I sell on the bring and buy, and if I find anything of interest within my price range.
I usually grab a few bits off the "Tree Fellas" as they make great scenery for 28mm and at good prices. I have a been grabbing four or five packs at each show for a couple of years and so have a fairly large assortment of walls and hedges and may start to look at the trees they do.
Apart from that, its bargain hunting and generally browsing for me. I don't have much space spare, for books so I don't plan to buy any. I haven't read nearly a quarter of my current collection properly. So they need working through first.
Will be nice to just bimble and see. Will be taking the camera to try and actually take some photos. I did one year,, all of about 4 if I recall. lol
So, about to clamber into the attic and delve through my collection for a few things to put on the bring and buy.
Usually Derby is one of the last events for the year, though we have been to Pudsey in the past. This year however, with the fact I have limited my gaming projects and am currently out of work.
Derby is a walk in, wander around, see what bits I sell on the bring and buy, and if I find anything of interest within my price range.
I usually grab a few bits off the "Tree Fellas" as they make great scenery for 28mm and at good prices. I have a been grabbing four or five packs at each show for a couple of years and so have a fairly large assortment of walls and hedges and may start to look at the trees they do.
Apart from that, its bargain hunting and generally browsing for me. I don't have much space spare, for books so I don't plan to buy any. I haven't read nearly a quarter of my current collection properly. So they need working through first.
Will be nice to just bimble and see. Will be taking the camera to try and actually take some photos. I did one year,, all of about 4 if I recall. lol
So, about to clamber into the attic and delve through my collection for a few things to put on the bring and buy.
28mm Hard Plastic Marines - By Defiance Games
I spotted this thread today on TMP about these;
Defiance Games not so long ago released some fluff on their gaming system/brackground etc. It got a rough reception, firstly as it contain a lot of proffanity and possible racist comments about the Chinese. I think it was more a poor choice of "slang", rather than an actual attempt to be racist in publishing. That aside, they have been promising a range of figures.
And here is the first. Apparently going to be a hard plastic miniature range. So interesting to see how they do, how tricky they are to build and how they match with other gaming systems.
On the whole I like the figure. Its got a look, and much will depend on the factors I mentioned previously. So its one for the sci-fi fans to keep an eye out for. If I learn anything new, I will keep you informed.
Defiance Games not so long ago released some fluff on their gaming system/brackground etc. It got a rough reception, firstly as it contain a lot of proffanity and possible racist comments about the Chinese. I think it was more a poor choice of "slang", rather than an actual attempt to be racist in publishing. That aside, they have been promising a range of figures.
And here is the first. Apparently going to be a hard plastic miniature range. So interesting to see how they do, how tricky they are to build and how they match with other gaming systems.
On the whole I like the figure. Its got a look, and much will depend on the factors I mentioned previously. So its one for the sci-fi fans to keep an eye out for. If I learn anything new, I will keep you informed.
Wednesday, 28 September 2011
Aliens versus Ninja.. Epic!
I have to say, this made me laugh when I stumbled across it.
So we have Aliens v Predator, Aliens v Cowboys, and Aliens v Ninja.
I wonder whats next??
So we have Aliens v Predator, Aliens v Cowboys, and Aliens v Ninja.
I wonder whats next??
Sunday, 25 September 2011
Club Gaming Weekend - 24th and 25th Sept 2011 - Spacehulking
Firstly apologies for the delay in progress on my other projects. One excuse has been the prep for a club weekend gaming session. Our gaming club is very fortunate to have access to a large hall where why usually run our annual gaming show "Gauntlet".
And a few weeks ago a few club members mentioned, wanting a weekend to run larger games that ordinarily couldn't get run in a club night. So we booked the hall and I sorted the tables and whalla. A two day gaming session was at hand.
I decided for ease and with a lack of time etc to run a game of my Spacehulk 3rd Edition the RGP I have been working on. So with four willing victims, sorry players. Two of my own sets of space hulk and one on loan. I built up a three level space hulk.
Each player had a single squad of five terminators. Their mission was to recover the CAT from where it had become stranded on the third level as its datacore contained vital mission data.
Each level contained a "nest", which as a secondary objective the marines were tasked with retrieving a bio sample from. Not an easy task.
Each squad contained one character, and four marines. Either a captain, an inquisitor, librarian, techmarine, apothocary or chaplain. The four players chose the captain, techmarine, librarian and inquisitor.
It was chaotic and mad fun. To say the least.
I didn't get any photos of the Flames of War games or the Blackpowder game that were run sorry.
Over all a great weekend. Drank copious cups of coffee and tea, the bar down stairs did excellent food at lunch time and ate far too much junk food. I don't think I have laughed quite so much during a game and usually at Tom's exspence of rolling doubles or unable to roll higher than 3 on 2D6. Despite that, my players all said they had a great time and that really is what its all about.
Might try and organise another for the spring!
And a few weeks ago a few club members mentioned, wanting a weekend to run larger games that ordinarily couldn't get run in a club night. So we booked the hall and I sorted the tables and whalla. A two day gaming session was at hand.
I decided for ease and with a lack of time etc to run a game of my Spacehulk 3rd Edition the RGP I have been working on. So with four willing victims, sorry players. Two of my own sets of space hulk and one on loan. I built up a three level space hulk.
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| My Space Hulk Table during Saturday Break, exuse the clutter. |
Each player had a single squad of five terminators. Their mission was to recover the CAT from where it had become stranded on the third level as its datacore contained vital mission data.
Each level contained a "nest", which as a secondary objective the marines were tasked with retrieving a bio sample from. Not an easy task.
Each squad contained one character, and four marines. Either a captain, an inquisitor, librarian, techmarine, apothocary or chaplain. The four players chose the captain, techmarine, librarian and inquisitor.
It was chaotic and mad fun. To say the least.
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| Tyranid Nest Tile in centre ground on 2nd Level as terminators try and hold their bridge head on the level. |
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| Ambush! The genestealers launch an ambush on the second level! |
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| A Warrior about to give a terminator some grief! |
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| One of the Fields of Glory Games |
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| Warrior Heroes Game |
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| Pony Wars - Cavalry on the move! |
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| Indians in the hills |
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| The cavalry preparing to ride out from the fort. |
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| Butch and Sundance in sight of the Fort. |
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| The Pony Express reaches Custer at the Outpost. |
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| Having ignored the nest on the first level the marines decide to go back and finnish it off! |
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| Troll minders keeping the wolf riders going the right way! |
I didn't get any photos of the Flames of War games or the Blackpowder game that were run sorry.
Over all a great weekend. Drank copious cups of coffee and tea, the bar down stairs did excellent food at lunch time and ate far too much junk food. I don't think I have laughed quite so much during a game and usually at Tom's exspence of rolling doubles or unable to roll higher than 3 on 2D6. Despite that, my players all said they had a great time and that really is what its all about.
Might try and organise another for the spring!
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