Adventures on the Wargames Table

More freshly painted chaps for my Chain of Command British platoon! Well, I say "Chain of Command" but I'd be happy to give Bolt Action a whirl too! :o) The Rifle team. Bren gun team. Detail of the Bren Gun team base. The corrugated iron is simply plastic-card painted in a very dark grey, then a couple of highlights of lighter greys (seems to give a better effect of galvanised metal than metallic paints) whilst the bricks are off-cuts of plastic strip (sprue will do). They were painted in GW Scorched Brown, followed by Foundry Conker Brown Shade/Mid and a final highlight of Foundry Brick Red shade The Lieutenant, Platoon Sergeant, PIAT and 2" Mortar are almost done, plus a variety of supports are well underway.

When it comes to producing gorgeous scenic kits and models, chum Colin is a veritable machine! I thought it would be worth spending a few moments highlighting some of his latest superb creations. Here's the new stable block. Lovely detail! This is a table-edge terrace (there's also a full terrace available too - in both French or English styles) with optional front gardens. More great detail. A rear view of some shops (including the Boulangerie and Brasserie) along with the rear gardens/yards. For the Brasserie. For the Boulangerie. Another view of the edge terrace (French version). For the full scale terrace (i.e. whole buildings that can be placed anywhere on the table), Colin has produced this wonderfully characterful back yard set. Amazing! So, if you're in need of buildings for Chain of Command, Bolt Action, VBCW, etc; or you just fancy looking at some lovely wargaming scenery, then head over to Charlie Foxtrot Models .

My Second World War British Platoon for Chain of Command continues to expand. Here's another section of infantry. I've decided to try to get the three basic infantry sections complete before starting on the HQ or the support options. Here's the Corporal with a Sten Gun. I usually put a distinctive clump of flowers on the base so as to make spotting him on the table a bit easier. Even with the octagonal base he can blend in quite well. The Rifle Team. The Bren Team. These are mostly Artizan Designs miniatures, which I'm really pleased with. Painted using the same techniques as described in my earlier post .The third section is now well on the way too!

I've long admired the map-making skills of people like Rich at Too Fat Lardies , Andy in the battle reports on his superb blog tinyhordes  and the professional work of George which you can find on his blog musingswargameslife . So I thought it was about time I gave it a whirl myself. This was rather helped along by finding the notes Rich made for the Roundwood Report in the TFL 2014 Xmas Special, where he described how he uses PowerPoint to create the maps for Chain of Command. Very useful indeed! (Thanks Sidney). Anyway, here's my first go. It's not a map for anything in particular at this stage, just a bit of fun. Here's some of the components I've created. Certainly more enjoyable than the usual PowerPoint duties! ;o) To find the 'texture' for the trees, hedge, etc, I simply did a search on-line for forests and woods. The fields were just that - pictures of fields! Andy has suggested a couple of very interesting items of software:  Battle Chroni...

Later today we're off to take part in a big Dark Ages battle with chums Steve and Dave. To add some extra interest I've played with history a little (Sweyn II's invasion of northern England) to create this scenario. It is early October of the year 1069 and the weather is turning cold. The trees are clad in their red and gold Autumnal hues. King Sweyn II of Denmark has invaded Northumbria to claim the throne of England. William has assembled his army, along with those Saxons who have accepted the Conqueror’s rule, and marched North. The Saxon Eorls in the North have carefully gathered their strength, raising the fyrd and safeguarding their winter stores. They knew that William was on his way to deal with the invader – but perhaps Sweyn would be victorious? Whichever side won would be weakened, so the Eorls bade their time. Sweyn had been quick to establish a firm grip on his new lands. His men roamed far and wide, raiding and looting, crushing any resistance. Every day...

Gravesend Wargamers Club War & Conquest National Tournament Saturday and Sunday 14th – 15th November 2015 Venue: Foundry The Carriage Court Stoke Hall Church Lane East Stoke Newark Notts NG23 5QF   The themes of the weekend are the armies of the Dark Ages in the West and the World of the Greeks. 2,500 point armies from any Dark Age army that fought in Western Europe,  - or - 2,500 point armies from the Greek City States, Spartans or any of their enemies If you fancy a weekend of gaming and good company, please get in contact with us via email at philipturner@seaas.co.uk or telephone 07794908204. The cost is £25 for the 2 days, with lunch provided on both days. If you would like to know more about the Gravesend Wargamers Club please follow this link: www.gravesendwargamersclub.co.uk We look forward to seeing you and enjoying a few games of War & Conquest together.

Chum Colin of http://www.charliefoxtrotmodels.com/ has been hard at it creating yet more superb building kits. His latest building is huge and superbly detailed! More details here http://www.charliefoxtrotmodels.com/blogs/news/19659460-on-the-workbench-school-church-chapel-of-rest-civic-building Good innit?!