22nd August Games

Slightly down on numbers this week, but a busy evening nevertheless. Thanks to Dave Kightly for running his post WW2 zombie apocalypse game; the picture attached proves that we do have some people attending on club nights, but I am a bit concerned about the state of Bob's and Andy's eyes - did I set the red-eye filter or is there something we should know? :o)
Dave Crook and I (following the inevitable pre game horse trading ) settled down to a little aerial activity, rerunning the MS 406 vs. Macchi 200 scenario I run a couple of weeks ago, but at the level I had originally intended. The French did better this time, shooting down both my 200's by the end of the game. I had difficulty in closing for a good shot, and with less firepower than the 406, couldn't make it stick - and that, members of the jury, is the case for the defence! Picture of a battered 200 sweeping in behind the 406's is attached for propaganda purposes.

Next week, John has agreed to run his 15mm 1940 game for those interested. I can run Angels 20, but if there is sufficient interest, I could be persuaded to run a Space Hulk for a change. Let's hear from you, people...............

See yer soon
Neil

15th August Games

Another busy night this week. Thanks to Mark fur running his Victorian Gothic horror game, which looked fantastic! Another game I think for some of the smaller shows we attend, with a bit of work.

My own humble effort was the inevitable Angels 20 game, this week's action being centred on the Luftwaffe (Bf109's and Fw190's) fighting their way past a flight of P-51 Mustangs to get at the bomber stream. The Boche had the best of it in the end, as pilot quality told out in the end. Given that this was an ever decreasing advantage as the USAAF raids on Germany continued, a future scenario would probably have to factor in Average or even Rookie pilots for the Luftwaffe. Pictures of both games are attached.

Next week, Dave Kightly has offered to run his post WW2 zombie game (which we are hoping to present at SELWG in October), and I will bring the aircraft again as a back up. Hopefully, Mr. Crook's much anticipated Battle of Britain scenario will be on offer then.

See yer soon,
Neil

8th August Games

A pleasant surprise for me this week insofar as there were sufficient games on offer to give Angels 20 a break. Mark and Co. ran a Warhammer 40K game (which I confess I didn't find time to take a look at), while Chris ran a Western gunfight using a new set of rules, called (I believe) Combat Resolution 3.0, from the Two Hours Wargames studio.Given the scenario had been drawn up by Steve without prior knowledge of the rules, it all went rather well I thought. Certainly the game flowed well, and the combat results were certainly decisive! No photos this week as the camera decided to have a night at home (i.e. I forgot the damn thing!)

For next week, Mark has kindly offered to run a further Victorian Gothic horror game for the strong of heart and trembling lower lip. I shall of course support things with Angels 20 (Mr. Crook has promised me a Battle of Britain scenario which may prove entertaining). As ever any other offers are welcome.

See yer soon,

Neil

1st August Games

Reasonably busy last night; Mark and co. ran a large Warhammer 40K game, which gave Brad a chance to use part of his rather substantial Space Marine Chapter force (sorry Brad, can't remember which chapter they represent!). My offering, as ever, was WW2 aerial using Angels 20, but I managed to come up with something a little off the wall. 

I have only run one game to date using the French Morane 406 fighters (albeit in Finnish markings), and thus considered it was time for their counterparts from the Armee de l'Air to join in. Using French and Finnish marked models, I set the game as a fight with the Italians in a 'what if?' situation against Macchi 200 and 202 fighters (the latter in service rather earlier than was the case). An interesting game ensued, and while the Moranes and the Macchi 200's were closely matched, the 202's were the clear class of the field. Suffice to say the Franco-Finns were swept from the skies, but if I can obtain a few more appropriate models, this one might well run again. We even had time for Steve to run a quick Thunder Road game after the smoke cleared! Pictures of both games are attached for flavour.

Next week, we have decided to run the same types of game again, i.e. Warhammer 40K and Angels 20. Any other suggestions or offers ware of course most welcome.

See yer soon,

Neil

25th July Games

Thanks to Chris and Alan for providing the additional figures for the Hordes of the Things Dark Ages game I ran last night. It was nice to see figures which haven't been in action for two or three years back on the table. Time, as ever, was our worst enemy, and it was not possible to reach a conclusion before closing time; all I will say was that the Norse were still moving forward at the end of the game............ :) I have attached a couple of photo's I took of the overall game, and a close up of the Saxon shieldwall I was facing.

Next week, I return to work, but I shall be bringing along the Angels 20 for the general amusement of one and all. Mr Crook has promised to run up a Battle of Britain scenario for the occasion. I understand that there is also a Warhammer 40K game planned.

See yer soon,

Neil

18th July Games

Since I am currently on holiday for a couple of weeks (back in the slammer Monday week though), I have the opportunity to get the post game report away in good time.

A good turn out this week; Mark and co. ran a large scale Lord of the Rings game, which I sadly didn't get the opportunity to take a look at. Likewise, Chris ran a play test for a set of skirmish rules for the interwar period - I would be interested in any feedback from this, given the Osprey sponsored rules for this period are due for publication soon. My own offering in the Angels 20 format kept the Soviets in the air again, but this time facing the Italians, who of course provided substantial forces on the southern part of the Russian Front. I regret to advise that my part in the game was rather short-lived, as I got well and truly bounced! Dave, the two Steves and Brad continued to make a fight of things right up to close of play, by which time the balance of losses had been redressed but the Italians' remaining aircraft were carrying damage. One to try again I think......

Next week, Chris and I are looking to run a Dark Ages 28mm game using the HoTTs rules. If anybody has figures in scale, based for DBA or HoTTs, let me know the numbers and I will try and work them into the orbats. The nature of the game and scenario are of course still secret (even to me!). We also have an offer of a Malifaux game, and Steve Slater has offered to bring a selection of boardgames to cover any shortfall.

See yer soon,
Neil

11th July Games

A better turn out this week, with two games running. Steve ran a Pirates of the Crimson Coast derived game, whilst my Angels 20 offering this week revisited the 1941 Eastern Front scenario I ran recently (and shot something down!). A schwarme of Bf109 E's took on a motley bunch of Soviet Yak-1's and I-16's in a head to head fight. Some impressive furballs resulted (some of which I believe have been captured for posterity and the blog), with the issue in doubt until the final move which saw two 109's, a Yak and an I-16 shot down. On this occasion then, a Soviet victory, but I think the Luftwaffe will have more to say on the matter....

Next week, we have a Lord of the Rings game laid on, with my customary Angels 20 game as an alternative. Chris is also intending to run a play test of a new set of rules - details to follow if possible.

See yer soon
Neil

Four Bf109 E's ('Ace' and 9 in the first rotte with 4 and 8 in the second rotte) faced off against two Soviet Polikarpov I-16 Ishaks and three Yak-1's... 

Flying into contact...both sides waste no time.

The first Bf109 'rotte' Rottenführer 'Ace' and his Katchmarek ''wingman' ('9') in formation bank into join the second rotte and begin the attack...

...leaving two Yak-1's damaged.

Rottenführer '4' is pursued by the damaged Soviets...

...but takes out one of the Ishaks! (BOOM!)

Meanwhile, Katchmarek '9' has overshot and looses contact with his leader - he pays the prices as a damaged Yak-1 blows him out of the sky! (BOOM!)

His leader and Katchmarek '8' returen the favour and the Yak bursts into a ball of flame! (BOOM!)

Just as '4' is also blasted to oblivion by the remaining Soviets...(BOOM!)

In all, a fairly brutal encounter - final result was two Germans downed to two Russian (with a couple more in need of repairs) so the remaining two Jerry limped home minus half the schwarme. A bit of fancy synchronised flying by the first German 'rotte' and some good attacking moves by the second didn't save them from the determined Soviet flyers!

Polikarpov I-16 , Coburg Airshow 4.July 2009