25th June Games

It was another hot and sticky night, but we still managed to run two games yesterday evening. Dave K, Mark, Steve S and Andy P ran a Carnevale game, which was affected by a shortage of figures but still went ahead. I gather there was a spirited discussion over rules interpretation at some point.............

Using the tables available in our other room, I ran a further Angels 20 game for the benefit of Eddie, Nigel, Paul and Steve H. This time we went with a Pacific theme, pitching two F4 Corsairs against a selection of Japanese fighters. There was clear evidence that US fighter development was ahead of the Japanese by the latter part of the war, as all three aircraft were despatched without damage or loss to the US. Bit one sided but enjoyed by all, a further useful test of the game as a possible show participation game next year.

Next week I'll bring the Napoleonic Travel Battle game; there is an Aliens game planned plus other entertainments to be confirmed.

See yer soon,

Neil

18th June Games

It was a hot and sticky night last night, but we still had two games on the go. Steves S & H, Mark and Andy P played Pandemic; in three games I believe the lurgi won every time. 

I ran my WW2 air combat game Angels 20 for the benefit of Nigel, Nick and Eddie, the latter two who had never played the game before. I therefore ran my 'training' mission , where Nigel flew a French Dewoitine 520 against two RAF P-40 Tomahawks based on an actual combat over Syria in 1941/2. This went well enough that the P-40's were able to shoot down the Dewoitine when Nick and Eddie had an idea how the rules worked. I ran a second game for Nigel and Eddie who then flew a Focke Wulf 190 against a Russian La-5N, as I've found these are pretty evenly matched. Eddie conceded when his aircraft was damaged to an extent that he would have had to bail out.

Next week, I'll run Angels 20 again as requested, other ideas are in preparation.

See yer soon,

Neil  

11th June Games

Steve H (now more or less recovered from his lurgi) and I ran a final test game of TANKS in Normandy prior to the game's premiere at Broadside this Saturday. Steve S, Mark, Eddie and Andy P ran the Sherman troop while Nigel assisted Steve H and I with the handling of the German forces as they appeared. The British ran out winners with no losses and knocked out one Pzkpfw IV and two anti tank guns. The one great change was to set a twelve move time limit for the British to exit the table, which they achieved with time to spare. 

Hopefully all will go well on Saturday; I'll run Angels 20 on Wednesday evening for those interested.

See yer soon,

Neil   

14th May Games

We were missing a couple of people last night, but Nigel and Andy P played Rumbleslam (fantasy wrestling game that bears no resemblance to WWF - honest) while I'd brought the setup for the TANKS in Normandy game which the club will take to Broadside on the 14^th June. Steve H and I ran the game and the German forces (which were brought into play via an encounter table after spotting by the Allied players - on this occasion Nick, Eddie, Paul and Steve S). 

The Allied players had the same mission as before; exit the far end of the table to rejoin their unit, while minimising losses. They were unlucky to reveal my newly finished PAK 40 anti tank gun on the first move, which promptly brewed up Paul's Sherman and badly damaged Nick's Firefly. The remainder followed different routes towards their objective, only for Steve to 'spot' a StuG III assault gun and the PAK 40 (respotted after it was withdrawn following the opening moves), and succumb to their fire. Nick and Eddie managed to exit the table after dispatching the StuG, making it somewhere between a draw and a marginal win. You decide...... By and large a successful test game, we covered some issues before the time it's laid until before that most dangerous of opponents, the public!   

Next week, Nigel has offered his Sword Weirdos fantasy skirmish, while Dave C will provide the ships and setting for his ACW Ironclad game which will feature in the revised book of the same. I'll be fighting for the Confederacy as usual.

See yer soon, 

Neil 

23rd April Games

Attendance was down last night; myself, Steves H & S, Dave K, Andy P and Nigel were involved in a play test of a scenario I'd prepared ahead of running a TANKS participation game at the Broadside show in June. TANKS was originally devised as a purely armour based game for WW2, but I wanted to try and bring in some infantry action in a limited anti tank role without over complicating the game for the public. I devised an encounter table whereby a troop of Sherman tanks were tasked with exiting the far end of the table, with scattered but significant German opposition ranging from an individual landser (German squaddie) armed with a one shot panzerfaust up to armour including the inevitable Tiger tank. The Allied tanks could spot these forces and then attempt to remove them from play while completing their mission. 

The first game was predictably a bit of a mess, and following discussion some changes were made and the second affair made the Allied advance more of a challenge. Some work on the encounter table and the terrain remains, and a further play test before the show will be required, but I'm pleased with the overall result, and everyone seemed to enjoy themselves.

Nigel's offered to run a Swords Weirdos skirmish next week, details of any other games awaited.

See yer soon,

Neil

10th July Games

We were a bit thinner on the ground last night than usual (something to do with a football match, I believe) but there were enough of us for two games. Rob, Alan and Andy P were playing Marvel Crisis Protocol again, while I ran an Angels 20 WW2 aerial game for Steves S & H, Eddie, Mark, Nigel and myself; aircraft in use were Fw190's for the Luftwaffe (Steve S, Mark and Eddie) and Spitfire IX's for the RAF (Steve H, Nigel and myself). Lousy dice rolling by the RAF saw Steve shot down, Nigel blown from the skies by hits exceeding the armour value of his aircraft, and myself barely escaping with three 190's after me.

Thankfully we had better news from Germany, and England are through to the finals of Euro 2024; best wishes to the squad for Sunday (I'm sure Gareth and the team will be thrilled to know this........). Next week I've prevailed on Mark to Run his Dungeon Crawl game, and Steve S will bring a boardgame

See yer soon, 

Neil 

13th March Games

We had three games on the go on Wednesday last; Rob and Alan played Marvel Protocol (beware of low-flying tuk-tuks!), Steve S, Dave K, Mark and Eddie played Pandemic, while I ran an Angels 20 mission based on Operation Judgement (the American attack on Admiral Yamamoto’s aircraft while in transit on an inspection tour) for Steve H, Nigel and myself. The Japanese fielded two ‘Betty’ bombers as transports with six Zeroes as escort commanded by Nigel and myself, while Steve played the US assault force with an initial three P38 Lightnings, and the option of a fourth if one was lost (I only have three P38s at present.....). As may be seen from the pictures, Steve got stuck in and we had some right old furballs, which cost him all three of his original force. He had the last laugh, as the fourth P38 shot down Yamamoto’s aircraft just four hexes from the table edge it had to reach to win. Thoroughly enjoyable game, I need to work out the best way to run the escort of Zeroes more effectively.

 

Next week, Andy P wants to run a game of Dead Man’s Hand, and Dave K has a set of his won Old West gunfight rules to try out.

 

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

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  

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 October Games

Sufficient people were onsite to run the proposed refresher game before we run the Battle of Britain participation game at SEWLG this coming Sunday. Steve H and Andy P ran the Luftwaffe, while Dave K, Steve S and Mark were the Brylcreem Boys. I wanted to try giving the RAF a +1 on firing dice against bombers, in an effort to simplify or increase (depending on your point of view) the chance of downing a bomber. This seemed to work, as the Boche lost a Heinkel 111 and had significant damage on the others as a result of this modification. I'll certainly use it on Sunday.

Rob was playing Necromunda.

We'll be thin on the ground again next week, so I've booked a table for a Napoleonic naval game for those present.

See yer soon

Neil

31st August Games

Reduced numbers again last night - with a welcome visit from Dave C - left me with enough players to run the WW2 Eastern Front Angels 20 game planned. Dave K, Steve S and Bob flew Bf 109 F's against Steve H and Matt in Soviet La5-FN's. Some of those present had not played the games before, so a briefing on movement and manoeuvring was necessary before play commenced.

Matt promptly shot down Dave K's 109 and had to leave as he had an early working start on Thursday, but handed his La5 to Dave, who took to the aircraft like a duck to water. Suffice to say the Luftwaffe did not fare well, as by the game's end only Bob was left and was advised to head for home.

Rob was playing Warcry as usual, and when I saw him had been trounced by a dwarvern warband. No sizeist jokes.

Table space is short at Wayland next week, so we are playing Battlemech in the bar area. What could possibly go wrong?

See yer soon

Neil

4th March Games

Greetings


Reasonable turnout; two games took place. Dave K ran Star Wars Imperial Assault for Steve S, Mark, Rob and Andy P, while Steve H and I played another Memoir 44 scenario. This time we played Beda Fomm 1940, using the Western Desert boards and additional rules. The Italian forces had to force their way through the British blocking force, and due to poor early dice rolls on my part and the Command card 'issues' they nearly made it. Fortunately for the Brits, the employment of the 'Their Finest Hour' card and much improved dice rolls meant I just squeaked a win. That's a two for two with this game - maybe I should play it more often?

Next week, Andy P has offered to run his Sci-Fi game, and I'm trying to arrange a Rebels and Patriots Napoleonic game with Mike. the game we played at my place a while back worked so well I've been cleaning up my old collection of Peninsular War French, and painting up some new bits pending a complete revision when time permits.


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

12th June Games

Greetings

Waylands was a bit busy last night, but we were able to grab two tables. Steve S ran a Doctor Who game, whilst I brought along my Angels 20 WW2 aerial game, which 'entertained' Rob, Steves H and B and Matt for the evening. The idea was that two USAAF P-38 Lightnings were exiting an air raid after performing escort to a bomber force, and encountered Romanian interceptors in the form of two Bf109 E's provided by the Germans and two locally produced LAR 80's. This is the first time I'd been able to field the Romanians and it seemed like an interesting game bases on the raids on the Ploesti air fields in 1943/44.

Predictably the P-38's waltzed both games, destroying all the Romanians in the first game and only suffering minor damage in the second. In fairness to Matt and Steve B, neither had played the game before but both said they enjoyed it and liked the way it played, so all in all it went well.

Next week, Mark has offered to run his Gothic Horror game. Following a trek to Frinton on Sea today (yes, it IS on the map!) I am now the proud owner of seven beautifully painted and fully rigged Spanish Napoleonic ships of the line; I intend that they should therefore see action action against the heretic British next week, Commands will be available to discerning gamers on the night.

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

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