12th June Games

A lower than expected turnout meant my Angels 20 game didn’t go ahead; this was more than compensated for by the chance to distribute the ACW and FPW collections of the late Jack Alexander. Jack was better known as the designer of Jacklex 20mm figures for many years (and the range continues in production under new management) but we were offered a great deal of figures, building and rules so long as the figures would be used. Most will need refurbishment but I’m sure we can deal with this. I’d offer Jack’s family our sympathy at their loss, together with our profound thanks for their generosity.
Game wise we saw Alan, Rob and Steve H settle to a Frostgrave game (Steve had a bit of a bad time I gather), while Andy P, Paul, Mark, Eddie, Dave K and myself played Zombiecide to a successful conclusion – no-one got bitten!

Next week, we have a distinctly Old West flavour to games, with Dead Man’s Hand and Dave K’s Western Gunfight rules.
 
See yer soon,
Neil

5th June Games

We were a bit spread out but busy last night; Dave K ran a further ‘Here’s Negan’ game for Steve S, Mark, Eddie, Andy P and Paul, Rob and Alan were engaged in a Frostgrave game, a welcome appearance by Mike and Steve B with a Warhammer 40K game, while, Nigel, Steve H and myself settled down to a further Space Weirdos game.

This involved three groups (terrorists, mercenaries and a SWAT team) attempting to gain control of an object resembling a sword in a stone (which of course was purely representational), which led to serious amounts of firefights, casualties and general mayhem associated with these simple but very entertaining rules. Steve came out on top in his first game.

Next week, I’ve offered to run an Angels 20 game, Dave K is running another ‘Here’s Negan’ game, and there is some further Frostgrave action.

A reminder that Matt, Steve H and I are running an ACW game at the Broadside show this Saturday at the Medway Park Sports Centre, Mill Road, Gillingham, Kent ME7 1HF. Hopefully we’ll see some of you on the day at this entertaining event.

 

See yer soon,

Neil

15th May Games

We were slightly down on numbers again last Wednesday; Rob, Alan and Andy P were playing Frostgrave with some nicely painted miniatures while I ran a Wings of Glory WW1 aerial combat game for Mark, Nigel and Steve S. I ran three Sopwith Triplanes myself (no mean feat I assure you!) whilst the others flew a mixture of Halberstadt DII and Albatross DII fighters. This was the first time we’d played the updated rules (supplied by Dave C, to whom thanks again) and the various aircraft were new to us all. I enjoyed the manoeuvrability of the Tripes, but in the end one succumbed to an explosion card while the other two both took engine damage and one was unable to manoeuvre due to rudder damage; suffice to say I conceded defeat with my customary (and much-practiced) grace...........

 
Next week, Nigel and I are planning another Space Wierdos SF skirmish game, and I understand t’others will be playing board games.
 
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

16th August Games

Thin on the ground once again this week; due to absence and illness decimating our ranks, Andy’s Samurai game fell victim to the low attendance. While Rob and Alan played Frostgrave with some very impressive painting on display, I ran an Angels 20 WW2 aerial game for the benefit of Steve H, Andy, Mark and myself. One of the game’s great strengths is the inclusion of some of the period’s lesser known aircraft. This week, I chose to feature the French Dewoitine 520, which was entering service just as German forces invaded in 1940, and subsequently saw service with Vichy forces in Syria and North Africa. The first game therefore pitted three D520’s against two Bf109E’s escorting a Stuka to attack a ground target. The D520 pilots were graded as Ace by the data card supplied, which might be a bit unfair (but since the formula for calculation is not available, I had no choice) but the aircraft certainly performed well, shooting down the Ju87 and one Bf109 and damaging the other. The second game played two D520’s against two P-51C Mustangs, which was slightly fairer, and honours were even for this game. 

 

Next week, there is a board game session planned, but I’ll bring my Napoleonic naval collection for a pickup game to benefit any others attending.

 

See yer soon,

Neil  

9th August Games

We had a whole row to ourselves this week! Three games were running – Frostgrave with Rob, Alan and a friend, Andy P, Mark and Steve S with a Lord of the Rings inspired assault on a Rohirrim fort (?Helm’s Deep?) by a whole horde of marauding Uruk-Hai, and my play test of my DBA inspired ECW rules for the WoFun figures I acquired a while back. 

I’ll confine myself to comments on the last of these as I was umpiring while Dave K, Steve H, Paul and Eddie commanded the Royalist and Parliamentarian forces. Increased movement and firing ranges were an improvement, but some tweaks concerning the use of cover, effects of disorganised movement through the same, group movement and firing priorities are required before a further game. Casualties were light before the Royalists came to hand strokes with the Parliamentarians, and just edged a win in the last move by forcing the latter to a loss of one third of their forces. The game went well for the most part other than the points mentioned, which is always to be expected in a play test. I’ll make the necessary adjustments and email copies to the players for their comments asap.

Next week, Andy P will run a Samurai game, while I’ve offered to run a WW2 air combat game with Angels 20.  

 

See yer soon,

Neil

20th April Games

Greetings

Pretty good turnout last night. We had a Frostgrave game supplied by Andy H with his marvellous dungeon setup. Dave K with a further Pulp Alley game, while Steve H and I had an initial game of Star Wars Armada. I thought it would be fairer to supply a general shot rather than pick out one game.

As previously advised, the AGM will be held next Wednesday, 27th April 2016. I'd like to start as soon after 8PM as possible to allow for a possible game afterwards, so please try to be on time.

Thanks

Neil

28th October Games

Greetings

     A busy night yesterday; we ran a four-handed Warhammer 40K game and Steve H, ran a play test of the new Thunderbirds board game. We also had a visit from Matt who had been in touch previously and took the opportunity to pop in for the evening. Hope you enjoyed yourself Matt - see you again soon!

      I confess my attention was drawn to a play test of Frostgrave by Chris and Andy H. I've been discussing this with Mike recently as a possible club campaign game and was able to play in the two games that were played. I'm hooked.

      Next week, I have suggested it is time for another Lion's Rmapant session. I'll bring my Dark Ages and Wars of the Roses figures and would welcome any other forces on the day. Steve S has offered a selection of Board games as well.

See yer soon

Neil