Starship Troopers Battle Report AAR - Game 3

This was the third game of Starship Troopers the Miniatures Game we have played.
Again my opponent was my friend Steve. As we are still learning the rules and getting to grips with the game. I came up with a very simple scenario.

The MI had to reach and retrieve a data core from a defunked CHAS unit that had been scouting the area.

The MI force consisted of an LT, three squads and two NCOs. One mounted in an M8 Ape Marauder. (We proxied these with AT-43 UNA figures and a fire toad).

The CHAS is from the SST range and so are all the warrior bugs.
I began with two units of 10 warrior below ground. Three obvious tunnel entrances. Two units of 7 and one of 6 warriors above ground.

The MI deployed from one narrow edge. With a tight deployment zone. They LT was in the centre with one NCO. A squad to his right and two to his left. The M8 was to his right and backed up the first squad. 

The CHAS stranded awaits rescue, well recovery of the data core and then detonation. 

The chas

The swarms begin to move. The MI did not fire in their first turn.  But by turn two they were blazing away. The withering morita fire slices up warriors the first two swarms. 

The MI by turn three had thinned the bugs numbers. But one or two had god close and with reaction kicking in it got brutal. Unfortunately for me, the MI weight of fire did decimate the leading swarms before they could do much more than kill a single trooper. 

Turn four saw the wipe out of my two lead swarms and the third one having emerged from the forrest. The M8's fire power, proved potent, though it took two hits before taking down the last of the third initial swarms. I moved one of my reserve swarms out. And my two burrowing swarms continued their advance. 

The first squad on the right, got too close to a bug hole and my cave-in i had bought cause two casualties.. more than my warriors had achieved so far. The burrowing warriors emerged behind the M8 in an ambush and took the M8 down. Unfortunately I was not quite close enough to get the LT and the NCO, but only just. The LT and NCO readied. The third and second squads were in reaction range and my emerging swarm was slashed with morita and flamer fire and wiped out. But not before i had managed to take down another trooper. The last ten strong warrior unit, having emerged and been spotted was lashed with fire and two rockets in artillery mode the following turn and it was basically all over for me.


I conceded a good victory. The MI had more points worth than me. And I should have been more aggressive with my bigger ten strong units or at least some of them starting out early. The MIs fire power potential is high and the flamers are potent things being squad weapons and thus getting reactions unlike the missile launchers.

It was fun and enlightening. Will be nice once I get my MI build and painted. I need to get more bugs made up so can start to vary the units in the games a little, but whilst we are still getting to grips its not too bad.


Looking forward to the next game. 

28mm Zombie Miniatures Review by FG

No point in re-inventing the wheel they say. So here is a blog I ran across the other day, when looking at 28mm zombie miniature suppliers and makers.

http://fgminis.blogspot.com/2006/10/modern-day-zombies.html

It is a little dated. 2006. But not too much has changed. Most of the makers mentioned are still about. Though it does not include Victory Force Miniatures I don't think.

Some nice photos and good comparisons.

So worth a look if you feel a zombie outbreak is likley.
Enjoy!

The Horde has grown.

The remainder of the Victory Force Miniatures Zombies I ordered have now arrived. The last lot in record time. The tax man struck on one package alas. But even with the tax it worked out at £1.15 per figure, inc postage and tax etc.

The other packs contained a similar ratio of female to male zombies. I have the odd duplicate, but far less than I was expecting. And I got a free sample figure, which is nice.
I believe it to be a death row prisoner zombie with metal electric chair skull cap!
But i could be wrong. That is how I plan to paint it.

So now is the issue of basing again. 2pence or 1pence pieces? Generally I use 2pence pieces for stability. But the 1pences may allow closer packing. But at the cost of stability.

They also look better when laid down to indicate dead or knocked down figures.

Victory Force Miniatures - 28mm Zombie Horde Figure Review

Those who have read my previous post here on the 50 for $50 deal by Victory Force Miniatures will know that I decided to invest in some.

So after an anxious wait, a little box arrived with two bubble wrapped sealed baggies inside. Each containing 25 miniatures and their supplied black plastic slotta bases.

Now the horde deal (which is due to end very soon by the way) is for fifty 28mm white metal zombie figures, for the grand price of $50. Thats about £40 ish with the current exchange rates.

The horde you recieve is not always the same. VFM have abouut 140 or so zombie figures in the range. Some are unique. Others are variants on the same model where arms or legs have been moved or reposed. And you pay for pennies and they pick a random assortment. Meaning you can get some duplicated.
On TMP there was much debate about the level of duplicates. Now I have to say it did not worry me overly. And as you will see from the photos. I don't think I actually got any duplicates. If I did, I have not found them yet..

So to start with. Here are the horde!

Part 1 of the horde 24 male 28mm Zombies

Part 2 of the horde 15 more male 28mm Zombies

Part 3 of the Horde 11 Female 28mm Zombies

As you can see from the three photos above. The pack contained 11 female zombies miniatures and 39 male zombie miniatures. If there are any duplicates I have not spotted them so far. And wouldn't be bothered if I did have a few.

The figures have a range of builds and sizes. Some are obviously variants and do have a similarity to others, but nothing too noticeable. The build of the figures varies, some are slim others more chunky, but are all good fits for the "28mm" category. If you pick your opponent figures from any of the current swathe of makers such as hassle free, EM4, TAG etc I don't think you will find a major disparity.

The casting quality is good. Its not the greatest, as in there is some flash and mould tags that need removing. But frankly I have had much worse from other makers. So given the price. Top marks to VFM so far.

Now onto a few close ups.

VFM 28mm Zombie Female Miniatures

As you can see above. The female figures are easily identifiable. The posing is good. The faces are not the most expressive or detailed, but then they are zombies after all.

Close up of VFM Male Zombie Body Builder

 The figures have an integral stand tag and come with a 25mm round slotta base provided. These also provide a handy scale reference for photos.

This figure stood out when I looked through. Firstly because it is slightly chunkier due to the subject matter. But also has some good detailing. As you can see to its left the other figure is more representative of the majority. With what I would say as a medium level of detail and texture detailing. Now I don't wish that to come across to harsh. We have to keep in mind VFM have obviously set out to make them a "horde" set. I was actually expecting a lower level of detailing when I ordered. So am pleasantly surprised.

Range of poses.

 The above photo was an attempt to show some of the poses in the range. The majority are the a-typical stand up shambler pose. Some have out stretched hands and there is one in the set with no legs or kneeling.

Variety of VFM Zombies

 So the variety of subjects is good. Some are clothed, some partially, some with whole or complete limbs, some missing limbs. Some with very obvious zombie "bite" marks some with far less obvious ones.

In fact if you were nifty with a Green stuff, a few hole fillers and you have some very good civilians or hapless survivors/victims. Something I am considering possibly doing.

Detail close up VFM zombies

 Close up you can see there is some nice room for paint detailing. There are few "hard edges", so dry brushing  will have to be done with care. Every sculptor has their own style and most of the type its faces that stand out. There is a general similarity in many of the figures faces, and this may be from the use of standard dollies and many of the faces are looking upwards. I may tweak a few to lean forward. But that is personal choice. 

So.. if I had to give points out of ten.. One being "I could do better with play-do" and ten being "its too good to go near the gaming table, ever!"  then;

Figure Proportions: 6/10
Figure Variety/Poses: 7/10
Figure Detailing: 5/10
Production Quality: 6/10
Value for money: 9/10

Conclusion - I think as a range of figures. They are good. They are moderately well detailed and their style is definitely in keeping with their purpose. They should fit well with just about any other zombie range figures out there at present.
They are cleanly cast and will not require too long to clean up. There are no separate parts. Which for me is a bonus as they are a horde and that means speed of painting. So less time required for assembly the better.

And value for money! - I think these are about the best you can get. Definitely in white metal. Though with the caveat that this is the last time the 50 for $50 deal is running before a price rise. So hats off to VFM

Victory Force Miniatures - Zombie Horde Deals Ending 31st Oct.

Victory force Miniatures over in the states do a fair few 28mm miniatures. They are a range up until recently I had not even heard of. Then I spotted a post on TMP about some of their figures and the deals they have. And a friend also mentioned them.

Image Copy Right of Victory Force Miniatures

The one most notable to many, is the 50 for $50 Zombie Horde Deal. The zombie range they do has a mix of unique and variants in it. I.e. there are some unique figures, such as the mascot zombies and others, and then there are some general zombie figures with many, be altered to give variants, or slight changes in poses etc.
The net effect is good. The sculpting is good. They are not going to win painting competitions, but frankly when you are buying a zombie horde. Do you really need "a lot" of detail. My personal opinion is no.

However, this is the last 50 for $50 deal they are running before they have to put the price up. Presumably due to the rising costs of white metal, which in recent months has been shooting up in massive jumps, as market forces, mean people moving stocks from banking into commodities.

Any how the net result has been an across the board price rise in the miniatures market for white metal. GW who forecasting must have said prices of metal were due to continue to rise, has stopped metal figures and moved to their fine cast resin. Though this has had mixed results in the market.

VFMs deal means at around the £1:$1.50 ratio we have in currency for the UK, its less than a £1 a figure including their $16 dollar shipping. Which frankly is about the cheapest white metal 28mm prices I have seen in a long time.

I think its refreshing to see a miniatures company, offering this deal. Even  if you run the risk of getting a few duplicates in the mix, as they are picked by the staff out of a "pool" of figs. But by going on the posts of TMP and from friends views who introduced me to them. It appears the number of duplicates varies from zero to 20 or so in the 50. Which to me is perfectly acceptable. Given the saving.

So.. if you are giving some thought to some horror gaming and you want to get a good horde going, then its an offer that frankly only has a short time to run and I would say, is worth a punt.

I will do a review of the figures shortly in more detail. But thought others might wish to share in the deal before it goes.

Fast and Simple Gaming Fun..

Every now and then it is fun to have a change of pace and play a game that is fast and simple!
At the club we have adopted the AR:SE rules on the whole. Akulas rules have been play tested heavily and enjoyed by many over on the Frothers forums.

They are simple. They are inspred by several notable computergames and films and can be had for free! See his blog.

Last night at club, we had a quick game. Werewolves v hurman survivors. A simple and very bloody game, that loosely adhered to Akulas mechanics. I say loosely as we have tinkered and changed the odd thing. More on the fly than any real errors with the rules I might add at this point.

It is just a thing we occasionally do. The net result was four players and one games master, quoting dubious inuendo and film quotes regarding monkeys, whilst laughing our heads off, as our characters died in a plot that wouldn't even make it into a B class movie..  

However it was fast and simple and refreshingly fun. So if you have ever fancy a change of pace, and want something fairly simple. Then check out AR:SE, BAD AR:SE and Total AR:SE.. and give them a go.

Warhammer Historicals - Half Price Sale!..

Yes, I was shocked when I first saw a post on TMP about it. Warhammer Historical were having a sale. Given they are subsidiary of the Games Workshop, who are renown throughout all lands for "never" having a sale. It was quite a shock.

Well some time ago at the Phalanx Wargaming show, My self and Mick bought two model pirate ships complete with crew figures. That being a couple of years ago now, they have sat and never been used.

The other night Mick mentioned he had tried a Warhammer historicals rule set for pirates which included ships combat and so, when the sale was announced I ordered a copy.

Warhammer Historicals - Legends of the High Seas

The book arrived today along with a copy for Mick. Its a nice glossy colour production. Perfect bound and reasonable paper weight. Lots of art work and images. And looks interesting.

There is some history on various pirates of renown etc and reference sheets in the back with some templates etc.

I will do a fuller review at a later date. Once I have had a chance to read through it. But I am told it is loosely based upon the Lord of the Ring system which I believe GW have since dropped.

The Warhammer Historicals wild west are apparently also a derivative of this LOTR set too.
So, will post some views and reviews once we get a game or two on the way.

And of course, in the meantime. Their half price sale is continuing. Bringing their usually higher than average prices down to more average market levels.

Injury and Ebay - Preventing progress.

Hi Folks, Firstly apologies for the lack of progress. But a colision between an axe and my thumb has left me with a extremely badly bruised thumb, which had gone a lovely colour of blue/grey/purple and hurts like hell. Thus I am blaming this for the lack of progress of late.. hey, we all have to have our excuses.

Seriously though. I am hoping to get a little bit done this week if I can. And will post some progress shots as I go.

Ebay - that lovely world of crazy! I have been hunting down the odd bit here and there, and spotted some SST figures I fancied. I was about to bid when the price shot up. To £103.99 for three figure!

This is not the first time either. In recent times, I have seen SST figures reach what I frankly believe to be obscene values. I have happily paid reasonably high prices for some in the past and some might argue that the figures I have paid, were too high. But even I have my limits (apart from the obvious lack of cash as it were).

So if you have some SST figures that you don't wish to hang onto, it seem the market is rich at the moment. I suspect a fall off in prices will occur, as seems the general trends with such things. So it may be time to jump in with the bits you don't need sooner than later.

I will be checking to see if I have some spares in my collections later.

Starship Troopers - First Game - Battle Report

(Firstly apologies for bad typing. Accident with thumb and an Axe = pain and trouble typing)

So, I bought a couple of sets of painted warriors off ebay without seeing any photos. I expected them to be probably be dire and have to be repainted. They arrived, with a couple of casualties, but nothing too serious. And to my surprise. Quite well painted. Certainly table standard.

And so, armed with 28 bugs capable of going on a table, I roped in my mate Steve to play a game. I am planning on running an Starship Troopers Campaign for him and so we both need to learn the rules.

So we setup a simple game. The MI Roster
1 LT,
1 Squad of Sgt, 5 troopers and a rocket launcher.
1 Squad of Sgt, 4 troopers and a rocket launcher.
The troopers armed with Moritas and officers with ugls.

This gave about 560 or so points and so I could take
6 swarms of 7. As I had enough figures for the 28, it meant I would have to "keep two in reserve" until the casualties were able to be re-cycled.

So.. simple, head on kill or be killed game. We drew a centre line and a 6" boundary either way on the table and setup. Rolled for who went first and the MI won.

Table setup

 The table terrain was simple. four low hills, two impassible ridges and three Forest, rough ground areas. The MI setup in the two valley/channels. I setup with two swarms on the flanks and two toward the centre.

Bugs!

We kept the game simple on purpose and from the out set, it looked like I would easily win. I mean, I had wayyy more warrior bugs than he had MI, with two two actions per turn per unit and a 6" base move,, hmm 12" a turn possible. I thought easy! Now we had not set a turn limit and that probably went against the MI heavily, as in the main rule book missions, they have set turn numbers.

Anyway, we kicked off, The MI firing its rocket launchers, as I was shocked to find I was out of range of the moritas to start, only just mind. 

The warriors surge forward.

The MI rocket from the first squad ( which the LT has chosen to join) and on my left flank, has a 2" LZ or lethal zone. Fired Directly and not in artillery mode the weapon, rolls its damage dice against each target who's centre point (nominated a lump on the back of the warrior body as being centre reference for the game). So two bugs, fell into the LZ, and the rolls, needed 5+ to hit. Two hits, one saves, one doesn,t One bug dead. Simple! Now this mechanic is quick, you have a two hit and an out right kill value. Roll equal or above the out right kill your dead, equal or above the hit value and you get a save roll (if you are entitle one). Though the game is I-go, U-go as such. The fact you have to roll saves and get to react if a unit completes an action with in 10" of your unit, giving you a free single action. Means you never get bored. A style of gaming I prefer.
. 

The MI Lt readies his men before firing a punnishing salvo!

 My tactics were simple. Charge! I have no ranged capability with warriors. They are close quarters or nothing. But lethal in close quarters. The MI are the opposite really. Standard Power Armoured troopers don't fair well in CQ at all v warriors. And I feared this would give a dull game. But in fact i was rather fun. Having taken a while to read through the section of the book on fire zones and direct v indirect fire etc. It was Steve's second turn. This second squad having fired, but caused no casualties on the right flank with the rocket launcher.
His next round of firing, which included the moritas and the rocket launcher, on readied meant firstly he could fire the rocket launcher. And second he gets a re-roll on the damage for being readied.. scary! So in a blaze of bullets, the MI let rip. The contrail of a rocket landing square in the middle of the directly approaching warrior unit. The net result was five dead bugs! Ouch! near wipe out in one turn..

MI Left flank, squad two fire at the left hand warrior swarm.

 On the other MI flank, the shooting is deadly but not quite as effective.
My losses are mounting but I still feel ok. Plenty of bugs still on the table.

For the MI life is about to get interesting

 With my 6" move, I am soon charging down the MI, on my third turn. However my movement falls short and I provoke a "reaction" from the MI unit. Oops! Their reaction was to fire.

Now you see them!

The Warriors are relentlessly on the move!

Now you don't - eek!

 If you are observant you will notice in the above three photos, my lead, unit of four warriors disappears into green mush, under a hail of morita lead, as the reaction fire, decimates them!. Ouch.. Now with a second unit also filing in, I decide to switch the third warrior swarm that was heading for the LTs squad, to the right. Realising the the low hills of course, were not difficult terrain and I would get my 12" worth and if i could nail the weaker MI squad, I could then concentrate on the strong unit.

The LT breaths a sigh of relief for now!

Well my tactic worked, helped by a really bad round of dice by my opponent Steve. My two squads charged down the second smaller MI squad. Despite provoking two lots of reaction fire, his dice failed as several MI went "out of ammo" on the first reaction and so on the second reaction unable to fire. This meant I finally got close enough. One of the lead warriors swept in with his vicious claws. The other with its bite. One MI troopers was scythed in half by the crushing jaws. The second, may have survived if Steve's dice had not decided to go west. The reaction fire did kill off one warrior unit, but the fact a second was right behind it, meant I kept the pressure up. The second units dived in and this time, two more troopers fell. Leaving the rocket launcher trooper on his own. Without and officer in command range, he was down to reaction actions only! Not good when there are warriors about and your weapons is "pack" mean, it needs a ready action before i can fire! He did what only he could do and flee!

The lone survivor from the second squad tries to flee but is chased down by the warrior swarm.

The MI, prepare to go down fighting!

Without being able to get his ready action in, the lone trooper was eventually hunted down and killed! The LTs squad, fired furiously, but again the approaching warrior swarm must have had improved armour as 14 dice rolled and 8 were 1's.. ouch! Now within range, the LT attempted rally the lone trooper, but the LTs reaction fire, which I thought might wipe out the remnants of my other squad, only killed 1 bug! And so the killing jaws of three warriors tore the brave rocket launcher trooper apart. This provoked a reaction, from the LTs squad, who now desperately low on ammo, had three troopers run dry, just as my larger swarm approached. And the end was nigh!

Two warrior squads in close proximity, no where to retreat the Mi tood their ground and were torn apart!

So it was afun,and interesting learning experience. The basics rules are good. There are things we still need to learn and understand and for a first go, we had a laugh.

The MI fire power can be quite something, and will mowe down a lot of bugs, but if you can get close, with warriors, it soon gets nasty. So for a first attempt at the rules, with a mix of Starship Troopers figures and proxy AT-43 UNA troopers as MI. It went well.

Planning another game soon, with more of a defined mission. As we get to know the rules.

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.

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.

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

Photo by Troops of Shew reproduced from TMP

Photo by Troops of Shew reproduced from TMP

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.

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 main hall lower area.

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.

Main hall ramp way. Offensive miniatures on left.

Demo game. The churches on this board were scratch built. Lovely!

There were some lovely demonstration games and even some participation games. This one above had some stunning scratch build scenery.

The table was very nice. Infact I thought was the nicest there.

A scratch build, that was very very nicely done.

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.

New Pirate Ship models from Ainsty. These are lovely.

Ainsty sewer setup.

28mm Captain Scarlet figures and scientists. Nice.

Captain Scarlet - had to ressist very hard, from buying these.

Ainsty have some new released out and their range is still expanding.

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.

Warlord Games Operation Squad Demo Game

Warlord Games Operation Squad Rule Book - Tokens etc.

The Operation Squad Rule book and a few tokens. See comment above.

28mm Romans Game. Nice!

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.

6mm Gettysburg Game - Impressive as it was about 2x2' in size.

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.

Desert WW2 game. No one would tell me what it was about.

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?

Nice board, not the most forthcoming demonstration.

Nice board, again no info easy to find.

OK, I couldn't find any info on this game, and I must have cought them at lunch or something. See empty chairs.

See above.

Like the models and terrain.

I did like the figures and scenery. Some nice work.

The roman game. Hmmm tempting.

Nice Roman Game in 28mm

ECW game in 28mm

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.

Middle floor area in Main Hall

Some 28mm / 1:48 scale resin terrain.

Field Works no longer do their 28mm items any more. Shame.

Tomorrow's War by Ambush Alley on Caliver Books Stand along with Ambush Valley for Force on Force.

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!