22rnd November Games

We were down on numbers again last night; Dave K ran a Bolt Action games for Mark, Andy P and Steve S, with some armour turning up; a Panther for the Germans and a Sherman for the US forces. No apparent arguments so they must be getting the hang of the rules.

 

Rob and Alan were engaged in separate Blood Bowl games nearby. Rob reportedly lost his game but was able to ‘beat up some Orks’ as he advised me. Alan was playing against Skinks but no details of the result have reached me as yet.

 

Steve H and I were engaged in a further play test of my DBA derived ECW rules, using my collection of WoFun flat figures. I’d made a number of alterations to the rules following our last game, and we were also using sub commanders as well as a commander in chief to give some extra flexibility. Steve drew the Royalists for his force, so I found myself in the position of being right but repulsive on ‘1066 and All That’ terms as the forces of Parliament. We fought to a bloody but honourable draw (although Steve took out a couple of my infantry units in the last move to have a slightly higher kill rate than myself), but overall the changes and use of sub commanders speeded up the game considerably.

 

I probably won’t be down next week due to family commitments, but there is a further Bolt Action game arranged.

 

See yer soon,

Neil

 

25th October Games

Down on numbers again last night, although we had three games running last night. Alan, Andy P and Rob were involved in two separate Frostgrave games, while Dave K ran another Bolt Action game for myself, Mark, Eddie and Steve S. The German force was tasked with the capture of the US commander but never got close (it was subsequently suggested that the force ratios were too close to allow the attackers to complete the mission, but a good game nevertheless).

 

I’ve offered to run a Battlefleet Gothic game next week, but could also run Space Hulk or Wings of Glory WW1 aerial instead, if there is enough interest, while Andy is also running a game.

See yer soon

Neil

18th October Games

Last night, Dave K ran a further Bolt Action for beginners game for myself, Eddie, Mark and Steves H & S. Using rather more cover than previously, I was able to bring two American rifle squads within range of one of the three objectives designated as victory points before German firepower and a nebelwerfer spoiled their day. Not the finest day for America’s finest.........

 

Rob, Alan, Andy P and a friend were playing Frostgrave on a very cluttered table. I was told that a tin and some plastic foam represented ‘fog banks’ which needed the eye of faith to understand. Has no-one heard of kapok? Nice looking game with some lovely figures.

 

We have another Bolt Action 101 game scheduled for next week. I’ll run something the following week.

 

See yer soon,

Neil

11th October Games

Dave K ran a Bolt Action WW2 game for myself, Steves S and H, Eddie and Mark while Alan and Rob fought a Dystopian Wars naval action on a nearby table. Ours was a learning game which improved as we went on – plans for another such game next week are in hand.

 

I’d like to remind you all that myself, Steve H and Graham are going to SELWG at the Lee Valley Athletics Centre, Meridian Way, London, N9 0AR with our Franco-Prussian demonstration game. If any of you are planning of making the journey to a much improved venue, we’d be happy for you to drop by and possibly join in the game. If there are any questions please contact me direct.

 

See yer soon,

Neil

5th April Games

Most of those present played Bolt Action WW2 British vs Germans with umpire Dave K last night; 'spirited discussion' of rules esoterica ensue, but dispite suffering substantial casualties the German forces held their objectives at the end of play. Its fair to say we aren't as familiar with Bolt Action as a rules set as we might be, but personally they aren't a favourite of mine. The search for the perfect set continues.

Rob and Alan were engaged in a game of Infinity elsewhere in the centre.

Next week, a Star War Legion game has been planned; I have a copy of the air combat game Mustangs which I'll bring along.

See yer soon

Neil

29th March Games

A busy evening again for the club. Dave K ran a Bolt Action WW2 game for various members who had no prior experience of the rules which they seemed to enjoy.

Rob and Alan were playing Stargrave in a scenario involving a maglev train which had elements of Firefly and the Han Solo movie in the plot.

Steve H and I tried out a set of WW1 vintage naval rules with my Italian and Austro-Hungarian fleets, but sadly these became a dice rolling exercise to see who could roll the highest dice to knock out the opposition. Won't use them again, but I have another set which offer more character, written by my old friend Bob Cordery.

Only game I'm aware of for next week is a further Bolt Action game, which I am tempted to try.

See yer soon

Neil

12th February Games

Greetings


We ran three games last night; Mike and Steve B were playing Bolt Action (where the Germans successfully held the hedgerows from the Canadian attack), while Andy P ran the Labyrinth board game for most of the rest of those present. Steve H, Dave K, Paul and I ran a further test game of the Men Who Would Be Kings ahead of it's appearance at the Cavalier show on the 23rd. This time, my Beja tribesmen took on the Suakin Field Force. Although heavily outnumbered and losing their supporting cavalry when they were caught at the halt by the Beja warband, the British were able to literally destroy most of the foe with concentrated rifle fire (and some well nigh amazing dice rolls on my part) and pull off a win. Admittedly the Beja were forced to make a head on attack by the available space on table, but a chance for those less familiar with the rules to get a game in was worthwhile.

I've agreed to bring Memoir 44 next week and await details of any other games arranged.


See yer soon


Neil

5th September Games

Greetings

Thanks to Dave K for running a Bolt Action games last night - the Normandy scenario used some different troop types (French Resistance and Commandos among others) with artillery support for the British. The latter suffered from a short sighted FOO (Steve S' bad dice rolls) and the eventual bloodbath left the Germans on top for the first game in quite a while.

Next week Mark will run his Barbarianfantasy game. I've been asked to run a Napoleonic naval games to allow everyone to practice before the SELWG shows, when I propose to run the Hotham's Action 1794 scenario. I have it in mind to try and produce a QRS for the rules in question, which I'll look to distribute before next week.

See yer soon

Neil

20th June Games

Greetings

A better turnout last night. Thanks to Dave K for running a Bolt Action WW2 game for the bulk of those in attendance; Chris, Steve H and I played a further game of The Men Who Would Be Kings using our respective Egyptian and British forces. The scenario required the British to execute a 'strategic withdrawal' (according to The Times at least) across the board in the face of Egyptian attempts to stop this. Given that the Egyptian forces are considered under the rules to be far inferior to the British (not necessarily the case I might add), they gave the British a hard time, particularly given that the British decided to stand their ground until their CO was killed when they finally deigned to join the withdrawal! No much to report on the WW2 game other than to report that it was apparently a hard fought game.

Andy P has advised me that his radio hamateur group (I think that was what he called it) have asked if the club would like to present a game at either Tilbury Fort or Coalhouse Fort later this summer as part of a display. I think that the Big Tanks game might suit this, but would welcome comment from anyone interested

I hope to place the order for club badges shortly as discussed at the AGM. Once these arrive I'll distribute some.

I have been advised by the Essex Warriors that although they will not be holding their Open Day this year, they are hosting A Writtle bit of Lard - a day of Too Fat Lardies games, which will be graced by the presence of Richard Clark himself. Although their is a charge of £3 for attendees, I have been told that SEEMs members will not be liable for this charge due to our longstanding support of the Open Day. A nice gesture which I think we might take up. Anyone thinking of attending, please let me know and I'll advise the Warriors.

Bob has offered to run a Necromunda game, whilst Dave K will run Mad Dogs with Guns.

See yer soon

Neil

30th May Games

Greetings

A busy night all round:

Dave K ran a Bolt Action game for the bulk of those present, whilst Chris, Andy H, Steve H and I played another Men Who Would Be Kings game using my British and Chris' Khedival Egyptians had the insufferable check to put up something of a fight this time, while some of the British were a little tardy in joining the fun. Despite the issues, the Illustrated London News will doubtless be publishing details of yet another British victory in due course. (That said, to say the action was something of a mismatch is an understatement).

Mark has offered to run his Barbarian fantasy game next week. I'm not sure what else might be on offer at present - Steve H has an updated version of Zombicide to try out, and if Chris can make it we may run a other TMWWBK game. I'd also mention Steve H and I are running a Battlefleet Gothic game at Broadside in Sittingbourne on the 10th June. If anyone is thinking of making the journey, I can arrange all day parking for £5.00 but I must know about this in advance as we onlu jabe one spare ticket available.

See yer soon

Neil

4th March Games

Greetings

Just enough in attendance last night to run a second Bolt Action game using Dave K's Americans and Germans. This week's scenario involved an American assault on a German position; this proved to be a grinding match with high losses on both sides, before the Germans scraped a draw despite high casualties.

I've offered to run a Poseidon's Warriors ancient naval game next, if anyone else has a game they'd like to run, please advise.

See yer soon

Neil

28th Games Played

Greetings

Dave K ran his promised Bolt Action W2 game last night; I 'assisted' with umpiring and rules interpretation where necessary. Dave's collection of American and German late war troops clashed over the control of a crossroads. Uncle Sam's firepower eventually saw off the German forces for victory.

This was very much a trial game as we hadn't played BA for a while and the rules are more developed than the USSR rules I had used recently (although these are still the subject of attention as a low level alternative to BA).

Dave has offered to run a further BA game next week which I will support with terrain etc. Any other game offers would be appreciated. . .

See yer soon

Neil

21st March Games

Greetings

The return of warmer weather brought out a few more last night; as such we were able to run two games. Mark Ran his Victorian Horror game.

Whilst I ran the promised larger Bolt Action USSR game. I was primarily involved in the umpiring/rule interpretation of the USSR game - neither side was able to fulfil it's mission due to large numbers of pinned troops. Dave K's lousy dice luck continued, but he wasn't using my dice most of the game. Whilst not everybody agrees with the mechanics of the rules, the general feeling is they perhaps reflect the reality of small scale actions better than some other rules.

Next week, Dave K has offered to run a WW2 game using the successor rules to the above, which should provide a useful counterpoint to the recent games. I'll bring something else along as backup.

Following recent discussions, I'd like to hold a 'AGM' on Wednesday 25th April starting at about 8.15pm. I use inverted commas as the only matters requiring attention are the following:

• The partial refund of 2017 subscriptions due to our move from the Hockley Community Centre in June last year.
• The purchase of club polo shirts or badges for use at wargames shows.
• The nature of a possible club project for an exhibition game.

See yer soon

Neil

8th March Games

Greetings

Sufficient on hand to run two games last night; Andy P ran his Asian Invasion game.

Whilst I took the opportunity to run the original Bolt Action WW2 skirmish rules for John and Dave K. This was the first time I had run a game using these rules for a considerable while, so progress was slow initially, but despite Dave's truly appalling dice luck (well, he was using my dice!) there was sufficient interest for the experiment to be repeated next week. The thing about these rules (not sure if this is reflected in the current version) is that the game is about the mission and troops are more likely to be pinned down by suppressive fire than killed. I've always been fond of the set and was pleased that the game went well.

With this in mind, I've agreed to run the game again with a larger number of troops next week. No firm decision about any other games, so suggestions are welcome.

I've consulted Andy H and Mark with a view to holding the AGM after Salute. More details to follow.

See yer soon

Neil

6th September Games

Greetings

We ran two games last night; Dave K ran a further Bolt Action game - apparently the U.S. forces had the run of order dice, which is why they won (according to the German players. . .).

Steve H and I player Angels 20 for the first time in ages; I had been able to source some Italian 1/144 bomber models which allowed us to play out a raid on Malta. This did not go well for the Italians (i.e. me) with serious losses to the bomber force - the scenario requires some work to be balanced but was great fun all the same!

Next week, I've offered to run a Lion Rampant Dark Ages game.

See yer soon

Neil

P.S. I have been advised that Warlord Games are offering their TANK War supplement to Bolt Action as a free downloadable PDF during September; I hardly need to point out that this is a good thing?

23rd August Games

Greetings

My apologies for my absence last week; Scotland saw fit to bless me with a dose of the flu, which basically cancelled any activity other than being ill. I gather you were able to function without me . . .

This week only one game went ahead; thanks to Dave K for running a Bolt Action game as a further introduction to the new rules. A German victory in the game.

Next week, Andy P has offered to run a Starship Troopers game. There may be a Dystopian Wars game, whilst I'll bring either Memoir 44 or my Napoleonic naval collection.

See yer soon

Neil

10th February Games

Greetings

A decent turnout last night; Chris ran an early WW2 Bolt Action game for Alan, Dave K, Josh, John and Mark.

Steve S ran a Heroscape game with Andy P, while Steve H and I indulged in Angels 20 using Italian and R.A.F over Malta.

Next week; I will run Angels 20 again and I understand a zombie game has also been planned.

See yer soon

Neil

2nd April Games

Pretty good turnout last night. Chris ran a Bolt Action game for those seeking an introduction to the rules; thanks to him for this. Andy and Rob settled down to some Malifaux mayhem, while Steve Harbron took to the skies over Malta with an RAF vs. Regia Aeronautica Angels 20 game. Suffice to say the RAF came off second best - I blame the dice....

Next week, I am running a Ludis Gladiatorius games to start the process of scaling up the game to 54 mm as a show game. We also have a Lord of the Rings game scheduled.

See yer soon,
Neil.

2nd January Games

The first meeting of 2013 had a distinctly World War 2 flavour, with a Bolt Action game run by Chris (for which thanks as always), illustrated with attached photo. I gather the Germans put up a very stout fight.

As previously mentioned, I ran two scenarios for Angels 20 using variable pilot quality tables reworked by Mr. Crook, together with his own spotting rules. The FW190's and Bf109's had decidedly the worst of both encounters (see attached photo for evidence!), but all involved felt the game worked better for the changes.

Next week, I intend to run a pre dreadnought game using Bob Cordery's hex based rules and there is also an offer of a Lord of the Rings game for those preferring a sharp edge to their steel in place of high explosive.

See yer soon,
Neil

14th November Games

Decent turnout again now the politics are out of the way for another year (see AGM Minutes on SEEMS Group)

Thanks to Chris for the Bolt Action playtest using his VBCW figures; bit difficult to see deployments due to the heavy cover on the table, but I think all players had fun......

"News for the BBC

The Government forces successfully routed and killed a number of worker revolutionaries in Hockley Essex yesterday. Spokesman The Right Honourable Sir K I Lethemall MP said that the revolutionaries lead by an unsavoury character known only as The Bryson suffered a notable reversal as they were forced from the woods. Unfortunately the government forces also suffered light casualties. Police are following strong leads as to the identity of The Bryson who it is said was skulking in the rear why his men died for his misguided cause. Any information leading to his whereabouts and a conviction will be rewarded by £20 by the Police."

My 18th Century naval game proved to be intersted, being the first of a series of linked scenarios set off the Indian coast during the American Revolution. More to come on this score, I think.

Not much planned for next week as yet. I shall bring the X-Wing stuff and would appreciate any other game offers in due course.

See yer soon, 

Neil