Panzerfaust 150s Random Gaming Rambles

Gave it a chance, didn't like it. And, I'm coming back from the hiatus

2011-07-17T10:55:00.000-04:00

I gave 6sided.net a chance. Well, I can't say I liked getting my blog literally slammed by spam. I had to moderate a comment every other day from a spammer. So, we're moving back here. It did look clean and pretty though.

As for other matters, well, 2011 has been a tough year. Personal issues, work issues, money issues, I'm ready for 2012 and the year's barely half over. Missed H-Con but I heard about the rumors of moving to Frederickburg. Good choice IMHO. Honestly, the NE just is getting to expensive for the bigger cons. I know the folks there liked the closer drive PA afforded, but hotel rooms at the Host were starting to nudge up there for several years running.

To all the readers I didn't know I had, thanks for sticking with me. I promise I'll try to post more often. I tend to post as the whim strikes me, or that I actually have something to say.

But here's the status report on what's going on wargaming-wise:

Blood Upon the Risers: On hiatus, I have a paying gig with Ambush Alley Games that I can't get too much into, suffice to say, I think people will like it. So, Blood Upon The Risers will be on hiatus till then.

Unnamed Ambush Alley Project: Handed in the rough draft last month. I am seeking to get some playtests done soon. The early reports are positive, but first reports always are.

Pointman I am an Ambush Alley Pointman, though admittedly, I haven't really run anything, time and chaos being what it has been this year. I intend to change that very soon. Both Labryinth and Eagle and Empire will be seeing me run stuff...soon as I can figure out what...Probably some sci-fi with the Tomorrow's War light edition to drum up buzz for the main release coming out in October.

Fistful of Tows 3 Yet another new passion of mine. I am statting out the T2K vehicles for it. And, found a small rules flaw. As written, it makes M1s impervious to shots from all around, where we know if you get a rear shot on ANY tank, it should kill it. I know, this is a platoon of tanks it's representing, but there should be some benefit to getting into someone's rear. We're trying a house rule where you don't get your h-class protection if the shot is in the flank or rear, but on second thought, that seems a bit draconian? Perhaps you dice off instead? 1-4 you get the protection, 5-6 you don't?

Other than that, I have got a ton of personal stuff going on, not all bad, but it does mean I haven't gotten any painting or model making done.. (bummer).

Heck, perhaps some blogging will re-fire the old creative juices on that vein?

Osprey Force on Force Review

2011-07-17T10:38:00.002-04:00

The new Osprey Force on Force can be described in two words “eye candy”. I am very, very happy with the standard of production. In the new book you’ll find a hard cover, sewn bindings, high-grade paper, and just plain easy to read print. I am also happy this was printed at a cost that is cheaper than the old dead-tree FoF book. Not only that? It puts BOTH rules in one easy to read place. Well done AAG and Osprey to this particular development.

I was also happy the programmed instruction ala Squad Leader was adopted. FoF isn’t a tough set of rules to learn, but as somebody who still occasionally flubs the action/reaction rules; it’s nice to see there’s a way to EASE into the rules. This was a very good idea in general and kudos all around. They also cleaned up a lot of older rules, and just put everything under one roof, which I will say, is darn nice to have.

The eye candy I mentioned are wonderfully photographed miniatures, color plates from selected Ospreys and all done well in a nice graphical package that doesn’t detract from the package, but instead, complement it. Again, very well done here I think. There’s also an introductory guide and a guide for tactics rounds out the package nicely, making it more than simply a set of dry recitations of rules.

Some have decried the cards being published in the back of the book, or the death of the asset cards, but AAG IS publishing them as a PDF add-on. So, one can use a computer printer and some cards to rectify this issue, heck I used homemade cards with my older copy of FoF for a long time, and didn’t seem to suffer. There’s also a new QRS coming out for it as well. So, all in all, good show here.

As I mentioned before? Support on the internet is top notch, and you can go to the forums, once they’re up, and watch Piers Brand outpaint just about everybody….;-) There’s also all kinds of support, and the AAG folks, be they Shawn, Peggy or Robby, are more than available to answer questions large and small. And in that vein, with Ambush Valley, Enduring Freedom, Road to Baghdad, Tomorrow’s War and Cold War Hot, the support projected to appear is simply…staggering. People who stand by their product are rare in general, so I appreciate this.

What I wasn’t nuts about? I missed the flow chart of Action/Reaction as was in the old rules. I know it was a bit flawed, but the concept was a good idea, and for a game like FoF, it was something that the game could use. I also miss WWII, but that’s more a personal pet-peeve. Anyone with half a brain can adapt the rules till the WWII supplements hit the market.

So all in all? I give it 4.5 out of five, with the detractions being the above. I would heartily recommend this rules set. It does its job well, and puts you in the role of a platoon leader. It’s simple, yet gets you down in the weeds effectively. The minor dings here are minor, and are barely worth half a star, but these days, everybody suspects you of something if you give a perfect review.

Buy these rules, you won’t regret it.

New AAG Website

2011-07-17T10:37:00.002-04:00

The forums aren’t back up yet (darn!) but the new site is just gorgeous!

http://www.ambushalleygames.com/incoming/news/21-a-new-look-a-new-day

I can only say that the future for AAG looks very bright indeed. I will be doing a review on the new FoF book (got mine last week), and I intend to be hard, but fair. But I will say I like what I see thus far.

Here’s to new and cool things at AAG. With that comment? I can say with confidence that Blood Upon the Risers will be out soon. I am rather invigorated by the new FoF and I am seeking to finish it, along with bringing it inline with the newer version of the rules. I hope you all will like it, and it’ll give all you Cold War nuts something to game before November?

That’s it for now. See you all soon!

After a long slumber

2011-07-17T10:36:00.000-04:00

It’s been a long slumber here at PF 150′s blog. I am currently kinda in a holding pattern game wise. Mainly, this is due to needing to find the wife a job. It’s been a real pain. Moreso then when I was out of work. Guess I am one of the lucky ones. So, not much time for gaming anything, though I did get in a delightful game of Fistful of Tows 3 at Eagle and Empire. Good fun was had by Dave Luff and I, though I think we may have to plan the logistics a lot better. It was your typical US/Soviet Sunday Drive to the Rhine game set in 1987. Not too much to tell, and silly me forgot to get photos, but the game played as well as I remembered FFT 2 played.

I liked the fact the Soviet tanks were tougher and T-80s are now a very scary thing, especially to US Dragon armed infantry. TOW armed Brads have a lot of trouble with them too, but not as much. M1s…well, M1s are still playing “pull” with just about any Soviet tank out there.

We didn’t finish, but it looked as if the US was going to win (played by your humble blogger) as I’d only lost a pair of Brad Stands to watching the heart ripped out of at least a regiment’s worth of Soviet tanks. He still had at least two fresh battalions and some motor rifle troops, but I didn’t think it was enough support to get a win of exploiting off the table.

As for other news. Well, it’s almost here. Amazon has informed me that Force On Force is on it’s way to my humble home. I don’t have the wargaming dollars I used to, so this is a BIG deal for me. Early reports from the UK state this is a match of Osprey eye candy, good print quality and a darn good editorial standard. All of this is good for AAG, as I think this will be a very fruitful partnership for both sides. I am looking forward to this and their new Cold War Hot supplement….and some more has been released on the contents:

1) Cold War Fears…this is a collection of essays, scenarios and stats for what we thought was going to happen. E.g., Fulda Gap, Soviet breakthroughs, etc. The main thrust of these scenarios is getting back into the mindset that existed during the 1980s when NATO and the US were trying to figure out a way to survive the Soviet/Pact superiority in numbers.

2) Cold War Realities…this section will focus on what we know today about the 1980s. The declassification of documents on both sides shows that the Soviet Union was a lot tougher on paper than in reality. Think, The Bear Went Over the Mountain applied to all the likely theaters of conflict. Would the Soviets have been able to achieve a breakthrough? How would the Warsaw Pact forces handle a major slugfest with NATO?

3) Cold War Hollywood. We all have our favorite movies and books…we’re taking it one step further and writing scenarios in that vein. If you’re a fan of fictional encounters like Ice Station Zebra and Red Storm Rising, you won’t be disappointed.

All I can say is I can’t wait for November. It’s going to be a lot of fun.

25/28mm Chicago Mayhem Game

2011-07-17T10:33:00.001-04:00

The Chicago Mayhem game I'd been planning with Jason for weeks finally came off, and it worked better than I thought it would. Everybody had a really good time, and Steve Robinson, our host, was really getting into the spirit of things playing the downtrodden strikers. He really made them come to life against Jason's National Guard.

Rules used were Iron Ivan's Where Heroes Dare, modified a bit for the game and they worked, though the close combat rules were still a bit clunky. I also may have overestimated the size of Steve's figure collection, as French Poilu were standing in for some of the cops. Oh well, I guess I get him some as a gift when we go to Historicon next?

The game was one where everyone played differing factions with various tasks to perform, the Italians, for example, had to steal some loaded beer trucks from the Irish mob. Meanwhile, the cops had to seize the very same beer trucks as "evidence". The Feds, independently (the cops are on the take from the Irish Mob) have to take the trucks under the Volstead act. Meanwhile, the Mob's stirred up the workers of the brewery (disguised as a bakery) into striking to cover the departure of the beer, so the National Guard's been called in to break up the strike. They're looking to goad the National Guard into doing something stupid (like firing into the crowd) so as to get it documented by the media and gain sympathy for unionizing.

Now, to the game.

The Italians used the cover of the National Guard and Strikers beating the nine bells out of each other (with the strikers giving as good as they got), to try to sneak into the brewery and grab a few trucks. The Feds on the other hand made a beeline right for the brewery, and got shot to pieces for their trouble. I got shot at by the Irish mob a little bit, and the Cops a lot, but I did kill two cops for my trouble, but there were simply too many cops and Irish between me and the beer.

As for the Strikers and the National Guard? The Strikers finally goaded the National Guard into firing, and they did, killing three strikers and finally breaking the strike, but the reporter got some good pictures for the morning edition. I can see the headline now:

NATIONAL GUARD GUNS DOWN STRIKERS; BLOOD FLOWS IN STREETS!

Fun was had by all and the game got to be raucous fun, with Steve, our host who played the Strikers having the most fun blaming everything on "management". Honorable mention goes to Dave Luff who was the police and he was referring to the strikers as "Reds, Scum, Wisconsin Teachers!"

And now, the pictures!

We're moving!

2011-03-25T14:05:00.000-04:00

All new posts to this blog will be here:

http://panzerfaust150.6sided.net/

So update your links!

I rather like the new format, easier to manage and a whole LOT less cluttered. Wordpress is more powerful than I thought and less of a pain to add pictures to.

Some more Twilight 2000 Themed buildings I worked up

2011-03-09T11:17:00.000-05:00

It's been a nutty couple of months for me, and I almost didn't make deadline for the 2011 Guild Project Build

As it was, a lot of my more grandiose plans went by the wayside, but I did manage to knock these out in a weekend's worth of work (day's more like it). You can do a lot of good work in a day if you have a plan and know what you're doing. And happily, I had both.

So here they are:

The first is an European themed building decorated with shrunken versions of real images of Soviet and Warpac propaganda and civil defense posters I found online.

The second is a building in the US occupied by the fascist group, New America and well, the locals have let their displeasure be known about the new occupiers....

SF 15 Magazine Status

2011-03-07T16:32:00.005-05:00

SF 15, the magazine of 15mm Sci-Fi gaming is taking calls for their third issue. It's been a tough time for me personally, and I admit, I didn't make the early March deadline. But, I am taking articles for the third issue for a revised publication time of late March-early April.

We're looking for any art that could be of use for the magazine and any articles of use to the 15mm Sci-Fi gamer.

In that spirit..here's what I am looking for, it's of course, not limited to these items, but we'd love having some of this.

- A review of Tomorrow's War.
- Figure range reviews
- Scenarios (Can't go wrong there)
- Painting or modelling articles.

As for artwork? Well, whatever you can provide that's sci-fi themed. Of course, if it's somebody's figure line in "action", please get permission? I don't much fancy getting sued. As for anything else? Feel free to email me at JASONdotWEISERATgmailDOTcom for any questions or concerns.

2nd Night Stalkers Battletech Mech Company for sale

2011-02-08T15:56:00.000-05:00

Clearing out some of the extra CBT stuff I don't play with as much any more.

2nd Nightstalkers Company

Here's some better photos:

Kinda a dark day for hobby related news....

2011-01-21T13:35:00.004-05:00

Well, I haven't been by in a while. Mainly due to some personal matters I'm not going to talk about except to say that's it's an illness in the family.

As for illness, I was cruising the Guild this morning and read a thread from
Jenny Howitt, daughter of Dave Howitt of Britannia Miniatures. I'll let Jenny's words break the news:

My name is Jenny Howitt, Dave Howitt's of Britannia Miniatures daughter, I've just registered to convey some unfortunate news. I'm afraid to say my Dad had a massive heart attack on Monday and is very ill in hospital.

As a result of this Britannia will cease trading for a few weeks. If anyboy has ordered I can assure you that all orders will be filled in due course.

Dad is very positive and in good spirits, thanks in advance for yur understanding.

This is some sad news, and I think we should all include Dave in our prayers, as well as see what as a community we can do to be helpful to the Howitt family.

UPDATE: The damage to Dave Howitt's heart was sadly, too much and he passed away this Saturday. Please include the Howitt family in your prayers today.

In other, more unpleasant news, though I don't do Battletech as much as I used to, I still cruise by the forums and I am involved in helping to run a strategic PBEM game. Therefore, I wasn't too happy to read this on the website link to the forums:

Due to a security breach the forums are being taken down indefinitely while the damage to the system is accessed. Because of the nature of this breach it is unlikely we will be restoring a backup of user accounts as it is impossible to know who's passwords and accounts have been compromised.

We are currently accessing our options and will get the forums back up in one form or another as soon as possible. Thank you for your patience.

Jason M. Knight classicbattletech.com System Administrator

In other news, I am giving the Nook quite the workout as I master it's intricacies with PDFs..I can tell you smaller print is better. As you zoom in, it tends not to like larger print. I am right now engrossed in the Anthony Beevor work about Stalingrad, and it's giving me gaming ideas, not just for WWII.

I also have some writing projects in the fire, nothing major, and nothing I can discuss, but as soon as I can, I shall. Let's hope for better times for all concerned.

In closing, I am also out there, soliciting for SF 15's 3rd issue. Don't be shy, submit!

It's that time again, time again for SF 15's call for articles!

2011-01-05T10:04:00.002-05:00

That's right, it's that time again. We need more contributions for SF 15 for publication in late Feb, early March. We're looking for anything of interest and import to the 15mm Sci-Fi gamer, be it interviews, product reviews, painting articles, scenarios, you name it, we'll find a use for it! We're especially looking for ART! So if you can draw and you're interested, send it along!

Please send any contributions to jasonDOTweiserATgmailDOTcom

Little Christmas gift for everyone in Ambush Alley Land.

2010-12-24T22:17:00.000-05:00

I made some changes to my Terminator and Kafer rules to bring them into line for TW. Please feel free to either download them at the AA Yahoo Group, or HERE and HERE. Feel free to download...and Merry Christmas all!

SF 15's Winter Issue IS OUT!!!!!

2010-12-22T00:32:00.000-05:00

Get it HERE!!!!

What's happening in 2011.

2010-12-21T23:45:00.001-05:00

1. With my private life calming down, and work winding down into the new year, I do now have some time to work on some stuff. I also have the Guild's Project Build I signed up for. Yes, that's right. I am going to get this 20mm Twilight 2000 project done. Here's some of the ideas I wanna do:

- A Polish Battlegroup, probably of a built BMP-2 (ACE kit) and a Britannia T-55 along with some Grenadier 20mm figures. Probably even some Horse Cav?

- An East German Battlegroup of some BTR-152s and a T-72 called "Kampfgruppe Thallmann". I think some mixed East German figs, mostly of former Kampfgruppe der Arbeiterklasse (Battlegroups of the Working Class, eg East German Militia) and the old MfS Wachregiment "Feliks E. Dzierzynski"
(They're trustworthy Germans, or at least the Soviets think so), I am thinking the East Germans will come from Platoon 20 and RH Models.

- Repaint (Not happy with the BDUs at all) and organize my Americans, probably organize both a band of 5th Division survivors and a DIA backed SF unit.

- Paint up and organize my Brits, I've got a lot of what I need for them, I just need to paint the lot up. Rest assured, THEM will put in an appearance. (anybody got a Spare pair of Landrovers in 20mm?)

- Organize and come up with a backstory for my Soviets.

- I also want to paint up a Marauder band. I have a few Dark Future 20mm GW figures. I'd love to get more, but those things are damn rare. But these fellas seem to be coming to the fore! Some of their line might suffice.

Think that's enough tasks?

2. In other news, I am weighing what to use for Imperial Army troops. I know I've got the Traveller Imperial Marines, and Zhos for sure. I've got plenty I can use for lower tech troops as well as Swordies. But Imperial Army? I am thinking the new Khurasan Federal Army types. I just have to get the items together, but that's taking a bit of a back seat to my group build.

3. The Guild's Big Game is going to Be Modern Africa sometime in 2012. I am interested, but I did have some misgivings about 20mm Modern Africa. Oh well, I guess I can make it work, it just means Rolf is going to get plenty of my money. Though I hear Ehliem is also coming out with some suitable figures.

That's it for now, but I know there's going to be more, but we'll see where things go from here.

Happy Holidays!

2010-11-27T11:29:00.002-05:00

First,
Happy Holidays all,
I am blogging from the wife's netbook at my parents. Let's just say I am rather OD'd on family togetherness. But this is a wargaming blog. So let's stick to the topics at hand.

1. SF 15 got a good response for articles and not so much for art. I will leave the art to our layout guy. I hope he can find some stuff we can use, but we'll make do. I'd really like to see somebody do a review for Tomorrow's War. I don't think either I or Gage should be doing any kind of review. We both helped with the playtest and I wrote some fluff for the rules. Talk about conflict of interest! What I am happy about is that we have at least two scenarios this time around! I am really psyched about that.

2. Got my Nook this week and took a look at it with a Battletech PDF, the results were so-so. I could read it but the occasional paragraph was out of wack and it took forever for any images in the file to load. Image heavy rules aren't the best on it, but if it's a lot of text, it'll do the job well.

That's pretty much it for now.

Been a bad blogger Pt 2

2010-11-18T15:23:00.003-05:00

Well all, it's been really busy in RL (My wife was hospitalized, it's the nature of the beast with bipolar disorder) on my end, but there was a lot of gaming news.

1. Ran a Tomorrow's War game at Steve's place, and while I may have screwed up the reaction rules, in fact, I am sure I did...everybody had fun, and about a billion suggestions for house rules. I do agree with one thing, bigger units seem to have more defensive dice, which is weird, because larger units should be easier to hit? Something to ponder. No pics, but the terrain and troops, 25mm this time, were gorgeous.

2. Fall In was a good time, and though I am writing about it three weeks after the fact. The vibe was kinda a downer, as a lot of vendors had a bad taste in their mouths about the lastest doings from HMGS. Spoke to Walt O'Hara, and while I will not relate what was said, any support I had for the Baltimore endeavor is over. I had no idea how badly it was planned and executed. I just hope the lawsuits that are going forward can be settled to the satisfaction of all parties.

As for actual gaming? I got into a colonials game set in German SWA, and played the natives...The game was hard fought, with the natives controlling the high-ground and it became a smash mouth type of fight, just the kind of game I like. I lost on points, but who the hell cared?

The second game? It was a sci-fi 15s game? Well, it was confusing. I played the UN, and misread my victory conditions, getting into a fight I could not win. Oh well, I left early and hit the flea market, where I got some nice deals.

My third game was a Mexican-American game of Regimental Fire and Fury, while there was some argument over the scenario and play balance (some Mexican siege artillery that didn't fire on the Americans historically took out the US artillery), I had fun, though I don't get how Regimental F and F is much different from Regular F and F?

As for the haul I made?

1 Rapid Fire based company of 20mm WWII US airborne
50-60 20mm Partisans and Volksturm
1 FoV SU-122 in winter scheme
1 kit of the Armourama Fireflies
3 Ospreys I didn't have
The Against The Odds issue with the Russo-Finnish Air game in it.
Some Winter Americans and Early Pacific US and Japanese from SGMM
And, for Gage, a box of the PSC Soviets.

Not too shabby.

3. The deadline (self-imposed really) is coming up for SF 15's second issue, so if you've got something, please send it in. I really only have two submissions, and one's mine! So, if you want to submit something, and it's vaguely useful to the 15mm Sci-Fi gamer, by all means send it in! We've got a new layout guy who has done wonders with the new covers and layout, I just want to give him something to work with!

So, there is is for now folks, more later!

OFF TO FALL IN TOMORROW!!!!

2010-10-29T10:44:00.006-04:00

Hey all,
I am going to Fall In tomorrow for Saturday and Sunday. If you plan on being there, or are already there, chime in. I'm gonna try to live blog, but that can be iffy. I've also inaguarated "Larry the Leadhead" here on the Blog, so we'll see how that goes. I think I am going to try to fill out some 20mm WWII and Modern needs this con, as the 15mm Sci-Fi pickings seem a bit thin, but that's ok. I also may load up on decals, paints and books, as I-94 will be there. Also, I am considering Check Your Six as there are rave reviews about the rules, 1/600 aircraft are dirt cheap and I kinda like the subject matter of the scenario packs. Gage, I promise I'll get you a pack of the PSC Russians.

So, I hope to see many of you, I'll be wearing a TMP ribbon as well with my screen name there; M1 Fanboy. So, I do hope I get the chance to put faces to names this trip.

NEW GAMESTORE IN DOWNTOWN DC!!!

2010-10-26T10:16:00.003-04:00

That's right, a new gamestore is opening in downtown DC. I am rather happy about this. A place for us closer in to play. It's in Eastern Market, so the neighborhood's decent, and I think the place is something for everyone.

Details to be found here:

http://www.labyrinthgameshop.com/

I think this is a real opportunity for DC gamers as a whole! I plan to be there to scout the place out for their grand opening and I am holding an event there on December 18th as a way to welcome them to the neighborhood.

Please, if you're in the DC area and like 15mm Sci-Fi, Ambush Alley or just wanna game with like minded folks, come on down and join us!

Call for articles for Sierra Foxtrot One Five and a small shoutout for another piece I worked on!

2010-10-19T12:10:00.004-04:00

As you all know, our first issue was released back in September (almost October, but hey, who's counting!) and now that November's rolling about, it's time for a new issue! So, please send in your art and article submissions to:

JasonDOTWeiserATgmaiDOTcom

I am hoping to get plenty of submissions and expand our size this time round!

I also have a small scenario in the latest issue of the SOTCW Journal, look for it on p42-43. It's set in the fateful early morning hours of June 6th, 1944..

PC back up and running! Thank god, and I'm GOING TO FALL IN!!!

2010-10-11T14:01:00.003-04:00

Hey guys,
First off, my home PC is fixed, sorta, we're functioning off of an old 200GB HD and my portable for now. That's not so bad, as I await my replacement drive from Seagate. Seems I was still under warranty. How in the heck that happened? I dunno. So, hopefully soon, I will have a brand spanking new HD and my computer troubles will be old news.
Second, I am going to Fall In through the graciousness of friends. I look forward to seeing faces old and new, and heck, seeing the Host for the first time in four years might actually be fun. I hear SGMM will be there, and that's going to allow me to fill a few things out, along with Eureka USA. Here's hoping they bring their 20mm WWII line...perhaps an email is in order?
Hadn't heard too much else I'd be too excited about, but I suspect some others will be there as well. And there's always the flea market!
Well, that's it for now.

RL has peed in my cornflakes

2010-10-07T13:12:00.002-04:00

Well,
At around 8AM this fine morning, the main HD on my PC, with just about all my files, decided to die, horribly. Now, most things I have backed up, but there are some items I don't. Trying to figure out which is gonna be fun....I should be back up by early next week, but no guarantees.

Sierra Foxtrot One Five has been released!

2010-09-27T21:06:00.004-04:00

Here it is folks, come get it!

A lot to blog!

2010-09-22T20:44:00.003-04:00

Well,
RL has been kicking me in the arse lately. I wanted to write something sooner, but my regimen of doctors visits relating to my seizure condition are a bit daunting, not to mention work has been a bit busy of late.

First, two weeks ago, I played in a not-Battlestar Galactica game with the new Iron Wind Metals miniatures starship line with my Alexandria group. They also are putting out a set of rules for the figure line, and the game was interesting, but the rules had some holes, such as the "missile spam" one sees in the rules, which is something reminiscent of Star Fleet Battles. I much prefer the way Full Thrust handles salvos. The other rules weren't bad at all, but took a bit of getting used to, and the missile salvos crossing the table looked very cinematic.

The Cylons got beat mainly because of our misreading of the Point Defense rules, where each salvo could be engaged anew as long as there was dice remaining, instead of one shot only at each incoming missile. But, the tactics are very reminiscent of planned Soviet tactics against US CVBG...now that we know that we were right, we can try our tactics again.

Also, and bigger news...Tomorrow's War IS OUT!!! I've been doing a lot of playtesting with the crew and to my fellow playtesters, WE DID GOOD! I am proud of you all. This is special for me because I am eagerly awaiting the full release next year; Why?

I'll let what I said on Facebook say it:

A while ago, I got involved in playtesting for these guys:

http://www.ambushalleygames.com/

And well, things kinda snowballed. I submitted some minor pieces for the fluff background for Tomorrow's War, their new sci-fi rules release. Well, considering the fact that AAG just inked a deal with Osprey that means Osprey will be publishing their stuff..that means yours truly, provided I don't wind up on the cutting room floor (always a chance in the biz), will be featured in a minor role in a Osprey product in March 2011!

I am very happy about this to be sure!

Yeah, folks, I am psyched. Folks, I can't say enough about this game! Get your copy here

Jage and I gave FWC and an adaptation of Rapid Fire for Sci-fi a try. Rapid Fire, it's a neat simple set of rules, and with some guesstimates, it worked well. FWC, well, it fell down mainly because we needed to plan things a bit better.

Finally, Sierra Foxtrot 15 is coming along nicely, I think we should be ready, provided we can get the Crucible review done soon. We're not adverse to more articles, but art is our big need. If you can help, please contact us at jasonDOTweiserATgmailDOTcom.

That's it for now all.

It's almost here: TW PDF release version to be released very soon

2010-09-08T16:39:00.002-04:00

When it is, I cannot say, but it will be very soon. It will be a somewhat stripped down version, but the "full featured" version will be out next year (September 2011) to be exact, but you can at least get your sci-fi on in the mean time!

The latest

2010-08-27T07:33:00.003-04:00

Well,
Things on the SF 15 front have been quiet, we just haven't gotten any article other than the one submission. If you're willing, please submit what you're writing to jason.weiser@gmail.com.

In other news, I had some health trouble recently, another seizure. I am alright, though it's more my back being hurt than anything else, as I wrenched the hell out of it. I'm on Dilantin for now and I *should* be alright as I have a neuro appointment next month.

In related news, I am looking to get rid of my copy of Left For Dead. I was playing it when I had aforementioned seizure. I just think, considering the circumstances, it's probably a good idea to get rid of it.

The ad on TMP for it is here:

I've gotten some more 20mm almost done, Soviet WWII Sailors this time, I'll have pictures up on the blog as soon as I can, they really were rather easy to paint, but I do confess that I think I finally have enough of the lads.

Finally, it looks as if Tomorrow's War is edging ever close to being released for sale. Even as a "pre-release" PDF version, I am enthusiastic about it to no end.

My Battletech strategic PBEM continues apace, me being promoted from Lyran player to co-Gm as the ref sure needed the help. It's more fun than I thought it would be.

That's it for now.

Sierra Foxtrot One Five is BORN!

2010-08-10T09:41:00.004-04:00

As submitted here:

Sierra Foxtrot One Five, a new fanzine for 15mm SF gamers, is looking for article submissions from you. Just about anything that could be of use to the 15mm Sci-Fi gamer will be accepted.

- Articles should be good, but pithy. Anything over 2-3K in length is going to probably be made a 2-parter.

- Pictures should be in .jpeg or .gif format.

- If you want to do art for us, realize we're doing a "hard-sf" look for the mag, we're getting away from the Gothic SF look of GW.

What kinds of articles are we looking for? AARs, Scenarios, reviews of figures, resin vehicles, terrain or just about anything of interest to the 15mm SF gamer. (We're especially looking for stuff that could be useful but a 15mm gamer might overlook). Interviews with figure manufacturers and rules writers (down in front Jon, CW and the gang at Rebel and Khurasan!).

All article submissions should be in .doc, .txt or .rtf format. Please send all submissions to jasonDOTweiserATgmailDOTcom

And thanks!

It's a go!

2010-08-04T14:26:00.001-04:00

As I posted on TMP:

Ok folks,
Jage 111 and I have begun work, I've already penned an article, a scenario to be honest, and it's generic enough you can use it with any system.

What do we need from you? If you want to write, we're looking to put the first issue out sometime next month, after that, it'll be every three months to start. So, we need articles! Anything 15mm sci fi or stuff that can be used with 15mm sci fi is welcome. Please send it to me at:

JASONdotWEISERatGMAILdotNET

I'll get it to Jage, unless he's willing to give his email out here.

We'd especially love articles on world building and new backgrounds to game in, or how to adapt that favorite RPG or other game background to your beloved rules set.

We're also taking name submissions for the fanzine, names suggested thus far are:

"Miniature Droptrooper"

Obviously, we need a bit of help here. So, send your ideas about that too either via PM or email as mentioned earlier.

Thanks a bunch guys, and let's see if we can make this a success.

A link to the actual post is here:

TMP Post

15mm Sci-Fi Fanzine?

2010-08-02T17:33:00.003-04:00

With the recent explosion of 15mm as a sci-fi scale, I've been pretty happy to report that it seems that the new releases are just getting harder and harder to track. What is vexing however, is that there isn't as much of a "one stop shop" or more indepth articles for those of us who appreciate the 15mm and it's sci-fi Renaissance.

Jage, a friend and fellow TMPer, has proposed a fanzine to fill in the blanks that Dropship Horizon or other's can't because blog entries aren't always able to be longer affairs like a fanzine can. I think this is a solid idea and I am certainly in favor of the idea. I think a quarterly format, of four issues per year in PDF format might work best, and I think for the most part, it's what one can get in terms of articles for now.

But the fact is, we really don't want to "step on toes" of the great bloggers like LSS and Dropship, to name a few. So, what say you, fellow 15mm gamer? I'd like to hear your take on the idea.

WW I this weekend

2010-08-01T12:46:00.004-04:00

Well, gamed with the crew in Alexandria this weekend. And did we have fun! The game was set during the last German offensive in 1918. I played Germans mainly b/c of all the toys we got, tanks, flammenwerfer, mortars, Stosstruppen. Yeah, it was just too tempting.

I ended up commanding what soon became described as the pinning force while the other guys on my side moved up the left. Well, I got hammered. My tank was riddled with HMG fire and everybody died...but not before I got a breach in the wire. So, I pushed everybody through...only to watch only two of them make it to the British trench line in the end, and die in the melee.

On my left, the attack went alright, the British bunkers were suppressed, and the tanks kept stalling out (mine was the only one that was consistently moving...as it turned out). They got into the British trench line, and the A7V trundled through the British trench line(happily, our artillery had waxed the British Heavy Mortar that had been covering the sector with a lucky round). But, alas, the tank and one German survivor cowering in a captured bunker was all that was left of approximately a company's worth of Germans. Yep, typical WWI. I had a good time though. The mayhem was picturesque and the rules (Trench Wars), were simple buckets o' dice rules, which I happen to like.

I wanna thank Steve, Dave, Jason and Wyatt for a fun and engaging game. Here's to next month. The terrain and company is simply awesome.

And now, here's some pictures:

The bunker on the left that the Germans managed to take.

My forlorn Mk IV after being riddled with HMG fire.

A panoramic view of the field.

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A closeup of my MK IV

The A7V that made it through the British trench line

Here I am about to make the fateful breach

Here's some of the British defenders.

Two Game AARs and a lot of pictures!

2010-07-26T21:16:00.005-04:00

Gane 1: A FFT AAR, Germany, 1987.

The game was a Czech and a Soviet Tank Regiment against a US Army Armored Cav Squadron. The game didn't last too long, even with Hinds in support (they were remarkably ineffective, one being shot down and the other doing little more than killing a Brad with an AT-6 shot).

The Soviets and Czechs advanced on a broad front on either side of the road running the length of the table (we played on a 4 x 4 ft space, it was the only table Jage and I could get at E and E that day). The Soviets did well initially, losing a battalion in exchange for killing most of a US Cav troop. A early T-80 does have a shot of killing an M1 front on. Not a great chance, but better than nothing.

The Czechs on the other hand? They basically melted away. Their T-72s were little more than target practice for the US M1s. Most of the Czech platoons ran away from failed QCs rather than dying outright, by the time the regiment tested, there was barely a battalion's worth of T-72s left.

The Russians kept on, and tried to flank the US position in the center, but lateral movement by the Americans on my flanks pretty much put paid to the Soviet advance. The game was over in three turns.

Here are some pics. Yes, Virginia, the Soviets need artillery. They really shouldn't leave home without it.

A really bad pic of the hapless Czechs!

A pregame pic of the Soviets

The Hind after it ate a Stinger (Hey, it's semi-historical!)

Game two was an FoF game set loosely in East Prussia in late 1944/early 1945. I let Jage use his newly painted Handschar (I said they were a late personnel draft that never got to the division). They were part of a weak platoon rearguard along with two understrength squads of regulars, and a small anti-tank team from the Volkssturm.

They faced a Soviet force of 7 T-34s (Mix of 76 and 85, I know it's not historical but I couldn't get all my 85's done in time!) Also, they were backed up by a platoon of Tank Riders, and some scouts in a Scout Car and on horse (I never used the latter, they'd have been cut down, as you'll see later).

I was playing the Soviets against my Stepfather Lou, and Jage again. Needless to say, I made a crucial mistake early, I played the Soviets cautious. To be fair, I was running the game more than I was playing tactical, but they beat me good. But let's describe the game. I moved up a T-34/76 on my left, and lost it to Panzerfaust fire from the Volkssturm, who promptly got the heck out of there. I didn't blame them with what was to come.

I brought in another T-34 and more Panzerfaust fire killed the crew. Two T-34s down and I tried a new tack, bringing in the scout car on the right, using some elevation to gain some cover. I forced the Handachar back with some machine gun fire and brought in the rest of the T-34s.

Here's where I made my mistake. Instead of rolling the T-34s right up on the woods and debussing next turn, accepting the risk, I debarked as soon as I got the vehicles into the woodline, and advanced the infantry over a bit of open space. I decreed all the Soviets had SMGs...and they paid for it...with the Germans cutting them down at ranges the Soviets couldn't do a thing about. Morale rolls began to tell, and soon the attack bogged down.

By this point, I'd gotten a few "1s" on my reaction rolls, and one FoW card I pulled was a very lucky "Fire, Fire" card. I used to promptly set the stone ruins on fire in the center. I began to get hope again and tried to get the infantry moving again, but the Handchar returned, and they cut down the remaining Soviets. To make matters worse? The Germans panzerfausted ANOTHER T-34. They only needed to kill one more and I was toast. Needless to say, this is when their reinforcements, a Mk IV and a JgPz IV showed up...and roasted another T-34. Game over. It was hard fought, and though the Germans took light casualties, they didn't get off scott free.

We had a lot of fun, and my stepfather had some good ideas for my storage sitrep and seemed to be interested in the hobby.

Anyhow, that's it for now. Here are some pics, Jage took some more, and those can be seen here

The Soviet high water mark

A shot of the Soviets before the game

The German VS anti-tank team.

T-34s, more books and some figures!

2010-07-22T10:39:00.003-04:00

Well, my Syr Hobbes order came last week, lots of US and Brit SF, and some Russian half figures for my vehicles..this will be fun! And I split a second hand consignment of Battlefield 20mm with Jage. He got the Russians, the Handachar and Jungwitz Cossacks and half the FJ. I took the other half of the FJ, the misc packs (lots of half figures for tanks there!) and the winter SS for Bulge stuff.

I sprayed up using the FoW Soviet Tank Color (it's done by Army Painter and doubles as a primer coat, what can I say, it's expensive, but not bad as a time saver) some T-34/85s that had been sitting forlornly from when I purchased them as a set from somebody on TMP.

I did miss some spots, you always do when you spray in my experience. So, I asked about on TMP, the Guild and the AAG forums, and Piers was nice enough to tell me to try the Vallejo Russian Green, but also that the shades on it tend to differ a bit. No worries, the Soviet Army's paint stocks always had a bit of "play" in them, and once they're properly detailed and weathered, and then chipped? You won't notice a damned thing!

I also have some pics of another modern micro-armor game we ran. Americans v. Soviets. Soviets lost again, but they did pretty much bag most of a US Armored Cav troop for the loss of a battalion of T-80s. Yeah, the Soviets would consider that a fair exchange. The Czech Tank battalion with T-72s, well, they simply died like dogs, with the survivors (most of the regiment, surprisingly!) ran for the hills.

I like FFT, it's damned fast and well thought out, I really wish Ty would get 3 out before I am old enough to collect SSI! I am looking forward to the game I've got planned on Saturday, now I've just got to plan the actual scenario...It will be a bit bigger than stuff we've run before, but I think all will appreciate it!

As for book reading, finally finished Generation Kill, I liked it but it was a bit long on "We killed a lot of civilians", and short on "what the battalion was actually doing". Not saying it isn't a good bit of work, but I liked Not a Good Day to Die better. Also finished Tonight We Die as Men. Fine bit of work there. Ian Gardner did himself proud with the book, and the bit of research he did on the Douve river bridges on D-Day has corrected a long-standing error. I like that Mark Bando was involved in the book. He's also done a lot with the 101st and really showing the division was more than one company (again, no offense intended to the members of E/2/506th).

I also gave Jage my extra 2300 stuff and my older HS books. Hope he finds them useful. I sure did!

Well, that's all for now, pictures soon!

A birthday, a lot of lead and some new books

2010-07-13T16:21:00.007-04:00

It's been a busy, though not very productive time since the last blog post. Haven't gotten much in the way of painting done, but I did get a test scheme of one of the Caliph's troopers for Djazlah done. I may highlight some of it a bit...but other than that, I am pretty happy with it and am going to use my new portable photo studio to snap some shots of it. Who says Ebay hasn't got anything useful anymore?

Also, I am very happy with the recent acquisitions I've made, a large Libmins order (probably the last one for a while), and a Battlefield miniatures lot I got second hand I'm splitting with Jage. Battlefield has some unique subjects, and I'm looking forward to my half of the figures. Hell, even the negotiations will be a blast.

Jage also told me he got the first of the 6mm he's painting for me at cost done. I am eager to see and photograph them. Future War Commander may happen sooner than we think?

My main addiction these days is Silent Hunter 4. Yes, that's right, I am happily sinking lots of the Japanese Navy and Merchant Marine. I'm running a campaign with an old S boat and I've already sunk:

At least a half dozen freighters (including one I had to shoot with a third torpedo, two didn't even slow him down...the third broke him in half!)
2 Tankers
God only knows how many Sampans and Fishing Boats
And the feather in my cap? 1 Takao Class Heavy Cruiser (ironic since three of the four in this class were sunk by US Submarines historically, I just did one in two years earlier)

The game's got some small frustrating factors, like a propensity to crash at times, (Save often) but it's pretty good, and there's nothing tenser than sneaking past the escorts at 3-4kts trying for that one good shot on a convoy.

Also received for my turning 36...yeah, I'm that old...was some books from Amazon. Not all have arrived, but I am working my way through Achtung Schweinhund!, and honestly, I really don't know why in the hell I didn't read this sooner. It's hysterically funny and poignant at the same time, though my collapse into near hysterics on the Metro probably scared some of my fellow commuters. My seeming lack of decorum was in response to the one scene where the young author tries to "bayonet" his grandfather in the groin. It's just priceless. His description of Airfix charades and the "Reich/Spice Girls" comment is comedy gold for wargamers. Not to mention his description of teenage model builders and their exposure to various solvents and other chemicals makes you wonder if we're all a bit addicted to what's IN the glue?

I've got the more serious work Tonight We Die as Men which reminds us, there was more than one company and one battalion in the 101st, no offense to Dick Winters and the rest of Easy Company. I am expecting a quality product from Osprey and I don't think they'll disappoint.

Well, that's all for now.

As promised and delivered!

2010-06-27T18:16:00.005-04:00

Kansu
25ly Spinward of Friesland
October, TW 339

Senior Lieutenant Chang was weary. Another day facing the rebel siege of Firebase Autumn Wind. It had been ten long hellish days for the defenders, holding off hordes of Association guerrillas, they'd been outgunned from the start, a short company of kids just out of depot training managing somehow to hold off a guerrilla regiment backed up by combat engineers and ancestor knew how many mortars.

To make matters worse, all manner of consumables were running low. Division had promised that the new mercenaries were coming to help. But Chang didn't believe such things anymore. He'd already made his peace two days ago, having written letters home, assuming the guerrillas didn't destroy them. His father's disapproving countenance danced in his mind's eye. A noble son of the House of Jade, dying in some dirt poor outpost at the hands of the lesser scum that made up the Association? The shame of the family would be too great.

He heard a low, throaty cough reverberate through the hills surrounding the firebase, Mortars, his mind reported. The firebase's last Calliope had run out of ammunition holding off the last human wave assault on the eastern end of the perimeter. Chang had tried to bluff it out, but the Rebels hadn't fallen for it. They shelled the firebase seemingly at will now. Chang shrugged as the sound continued to travel. What was the point of taking cover? They were all dead anyhow.

It was with a measure of surprise that a cyan bolt snatched several of the shells out of the sky like the hands of an angry god. More blinding bolts began to land amongst the rebel positions to the hills...the fire coming from the western pass. But how? The mercenaries had only been hired some eighteen hours before according to press reports...when Chang could receive them.

Chang turned his viewfinder to the west and focused them on the grey specks throwing up roostertails of dust and gravel feet into the air..spitting out cyan fingers of death with staccato timing. Each burst triggered the anti-blinding measures on his autonoculars.

His headset crackled to life...it was clear, clear as a bell without any of the squealing and popping from Association jamming. "Blossom Six, this is Golf One-Six, sorry we're a touch late, but we're here. The Colonel sends his regards, now, sit back and watch how we Slammers fight. You might learn something. One-Six out!" Chang shook his head in disgust...he hoped they were as competent as they were arrogant.

Blogging the day away!

2010-06-27T11:21:00.002-04:00

Small announcement this time. We're going to shoot for the next Victory Comics game to be on the 24th of July. I am thinking probably more of a historicals game this time. I want to recruit some folks as well and I think TW's far enough along in playtesting that we can take a short break from it!

Comments, ideas and questions care of the site!

TWO AARs! With PICTURES NO LESS!

2010-06-26T23:00:00.007-04:00

Well,
The first was a Renaissance Pike and Shot game with the French (nominally, they had troops from half of Europe) and the Spanish (who had troops from the other half!) hacked each other to a thin marginal victory for the French. Both sides were exhausted by the end, and one thing I found I liked with Pig Wars rules? Units die quick..it takes good planning and luck not so much to keep units from folding, but to make sure his units fold faster than yours. I also found out, Spanish Sword and Bucklers don't like two handed swords and halberds AT ALL! (Both of my units on the flank were hacked to pieces!) They exacted a price, mauling both French units, and I brought up my pikes to make the Halberds go away...but by the end...there weren't many Spanish units that weren't hacked up...then again, the French were in much the same boat.

Here are some pics of the setup (My phone died soon after!)

Today's game was another playtest of Tomorrow's War. It was another close run thing that came down to the FoW Cards, and some lucky pulls for the defender. This led to a lot of artillery showing up for him and stopping the attacker cold. Heavy Mortars are murder on armor. 120mm shells versus deck armor....OUCH!

The scenario will probably be published in the final rules, and we got some very good playtest data today. I can't say too much more, give away the game...no sir!

Here are some pics of that. This first set it taken by Krieger of Kriger's Wargaming Records, he runs a good blog, and well, the Droid's got a good camera on that phone! They're used here with permission!

The next set is mine and isn't as nice...hey, my camera isn't as good!

As you can see, artillery can be decisive in the new rules. I am looking forward, however, to their release. I think honestly, you're all in for a Science Fiction gaming experience that isn't just "20th Century with ray-guns!". It has technology seamlessly integrated into the mechanics, and anyone familiar with AA/FoF should be able to pick this up fast. We did 4 turns in 3.5 hours. Not many games that can manage that these days.

That's it for now folks! See you across the table!

The Death of Paddy Griffith, and the end of legends.

2010-06-25T11:56:00.005-04:00

I found out this morning, from TMP, like many, that Wargaming fixture, luminary and published author Dr. Paddy Griffith had died. I didn't know Paddy, except through his work on the ACW and WWI which I read as part of my ROTC courses (My Asst. Professor of Military Science was a big military history nerd, like me). I didn't agree with everything Paddy wrote. Got an "A" for my paper on how I thought he was wrong, but I appreciated the tone and the thoroughness of his work just the same. He made me think. I like to think I am half the amateur historian today because of the fact he did.

It's sad to see the luminaries who made this hobby what it is today leave us. The only three I've ever met were Don Featherstone, Wally Simon, and Larry Bond (Think I drove Larry nuts, but I was 12 and in the presence of someone I admired, a lot). Paddy was one of those men. Like Charles S. Roberts, Jack Scruby, Charles Grant, and Wally Simon (another legend I knew well, I took it hard when he left us). I know death comes for us all in it's time, but with men such as these, it's difficult to say anything other than "too soon, too damn soon".

RIP Paddy, save us a chair at the bar at the never-ending convention in the sky.

My upcoming weekend!

2010-06-24T15:26:00.003-04:00

I am going to be busier than well, a lot of folks this weekend. I have the following on my plate:

1. A 28mm Renaissance Pike and Shot game with the folks from NoVA Gamer's Pavilion. This was a last minute thing I will be attending and it's by the same folks from last month's Irish Rebellion game, which was a hoot, so I am expecting more of the same here.

2. The 5th Meeting of DC Gamers at Victory Comics. I know we've got two attendees for sure excluding myself. This will probably be the last playtest of TW we do for a bit, assuming things go as well as they have thus far. I think the game's well on target for the release that Shawn intends to make, even with his recent move.

3. I want to get some work done on finishing up my Slammers before Saturday. They are basically being flocked and sprayed as we speak. Might be pics up of the lot by tomorrow. I think they came out better than I had reason to hope IMO.

4. I'm starting to get things together for 6mm moderns in Iran. Now if somebody could show me a place on what Iranian vehicles looked like, was it just a desert tan paintjob with a roundel? If so, makes my job easier, don't it?

5. Awaiting the release of FFT 3. Ty please get this out soon! My copy of 2 is looking like it went 15 rounds with Apollo Creed. Even if it's a PDF only release, something's better than nothing!

That's all for now fellow readers!

New Hammers Slammers Book review.

2010-06-23T11:30:00.004-04:00

Well,
The Crucible arrived. And from first glance, it was gorgeous. Nice full color photos, glossy pages, hard cover sewn in binding...my only complaint is that some of my pages near the spine stuck together and there was some tearing getting them apart, but no real damage.

So, as for bang for your buck? It depends. If you're:

a) a rabid Hammer's Slammers Fan
b) need dozens of painting ideas.
c) liked the rules from the first two books
d) would like everything in one place.

Then it's worth it if three or more reasons applied. As a art book with rules, I think it admirably serves it's purpose. I was happy to see some mention of 15mm, even if the book is mainly geared to 25mm...and I really am hoping we get 15mm Molts before too long (Down in front GZG!!). But it's a decent product for the price if your interests lie that way. All of the vehicles one sees in 25mm are available for the most part in 15mm, with the exception of a few vehicles, and figures can be substituted when required. All in all I was pretty impressed.

Other than the minor quibbles I mentioned, and the fact I wish they had put the play cards separate. (PDF's better than nothing however), I was pretty happily surprised with the level of production and the new items in the book (Most of it being an amalgam of previous WI articles and stuff from the two old books), which in of itself, is very welcome. Is it pricy, yes. But for the production value, it's better than some of the stuff I see coming out of RPG companies of late.

All in all, I give it 3.5 out of four stars, solid product and worth the money.

Other wargaming ramblings from the weekend.

2010-06-14T11:03:00.006-04:00

Well, I sent along some of my 6mm Sci-fi to Jage. He wanted stuff to paint, and it's sitting around waiting to be painted. I figure I give him a slow drip of stuff. Keeps him busy and us playing (and easier on the wallet). My limited amount of GZG stuff is next, then it's going to be the Stan Johansen and mix of old GHQ. Then, the rest of the Ogre and Classic Battletech stuff. Once all that's done? We organize it into some units. Probably will supplement it with my moderns and 'Mechs so we can get some games of FWC in.

The Slammers are all painted, I need to get them flocked, 4 figures are already done, and I figure at the rate of four a night...I can have the lot done in 8 days or so. I'll probably do it sooner I suspect. As for what's next? I think getting started on my Caliph's army for Djazlah, which are going to double as French Militia for Aurore. After that, probably the Terminator Humans, then the Colonial Marines. I kinda need the militia done soon as it would be useful for the TW playtest that's coming on the 26th. Shame Jage won't be there, but I hope others will make it. Heck, I even got some work done on Blood Upon the Risers.

I am going to pick up The Crucible book that's come out for the Slammers. It looks like a fine work from the PDF previews I've seen and paradoxically, it's cheaper to get from the publisher than from OMM? Um, huh? I want to get some more done on the 15mm side before I go and work on any of my other stuff, mostly getting my 6mm moderns closer to done and get my Germans out there and played with! I also want to look at what I'm going to need to do US Light and Medium weight forces for FFT (Think USMC, 82nd and 101st, and the sadly lamented 9th Light Division). I already have a regimental sized formation for my Soviet Paras, wouldn't take much to build that into a full division, and frankly, I may at some point do it. As for the Iranians? Probably a brigade is all I intend to build, with another brigade of Pasdaran. (Three-four bags from Hallmark should do the trick).

All in all, I think things are going swimmingly. I've made a real dent in the painting pile, and by end of summer, Djazlah might be well on it's way. I am rather happy about that, and there might be some 15mm vehicles from Old Crow I want to grab, along with some more IF types. I think that might wait a bit, but hey, I've got some time.

Micro Armor Game this weekend

2010-06-13T21:25:00.007-04:00

Hey all,
I didn't expect to get a game in this weekend, but Jage and I ran a FFT micro armor game at Eagle and Empire. It was again, Brits and Soviets. Jage played the Brits and I played the Soviets. The Brits had a slightly understrength brigade group (1 understrength squadron of Chieftains, another of Challys and a Warrior Company, backed up by a small recon squadron of Scimitars, 3 batteries of 155 and a pair of Javelin Stands). The Soviets were two regiments, one BMP-1 and 1 Tank Regiment of T-80 (the tank regiment didn't have their RAG, but I put some off-table 180mm at the disposal of the Soviets, along with a pair of Hinds and a couple of MiG-27 airstrikes). Victory conditions were to get a regiment off the table.

The game started slow, with me dropping smoke and the AT battery of the MRR scaring off a Chieftain along the open flank (most of the river was unfordable), Jage quickly took out both launchers but the smoke landed and helped screen my movements a bit (they've got thermals, so there was a limit to that), but the T-64 battalion soon died in exchanges with the Brits in the woods, with little to show for it. The Chieftains were really taking their toll, and the Challys were backing them up as well. I was holding my Tank Regiment back as the town right in front of the bridge had the other Chally squadron and the other Chieftain unit there, with the Warrior company in the woods overwatching the bridge, and an FO also in attendance. All in all, straight in wasn't the way to go, I brought the Hinds in, and though there was some Blowpipe fire, it was rather desultory, and as such, I lucked out and got them into position with the BMP Regiment trying to turn the flank...needless to say, other than firing their rockets and missiles, they did little more than scare off a single Chally. My artillery even got wacked Turn 2 as I rolled horribly for counter battery, with the MRR RAG losing four of it's six batteries and the other two fleeing. The 180mm lost two batteries as well.

I then figured, the direct approach was best as I had laid smoke to cover the bridge, knowing I wanted to set up for the one-two punch. Well, it soon became my only option, as the BMP regiment had lost a third of it's numbers, and the Tank battalion was dead. I tried calling in air..nada, so a battalion of T-80s, already depleted from 155mm fire, charged across the bridge, pushing a wrecked BRM out of the way, another battalion turned off the road to cover the flank, the British having shot their bolt this turn. Lo and behold, I got some flank shots on those hated Challys, and fireballed two of them, the last one fleeing. The Hinds finally scored as well, forcing both surviving Chieftains off as well. At that point, British 155mm fire landed on the road junction short of the bridge, and forced two T-80 battalions to test, those two ran for it. My remaining battalions wouldn't have been enough to decide the issue in the town beyond, but my BMPs would have taken the flank woods, and Jage was moving a Chieftain company to reinforce the woods position. We agreed it was probably a British Marginal Victory. The Brits stopped the Russian advance, but at a pretty high cost, over half their armor either failed QCs or was outright left burning. I taught Jage, the real arm of decision for the Soviets in FFT is artillery. Your tanks aren't good enough to beat NATO one-on-one, and BMP/BTR are bullet magnets. Artillery forces NATO off your objectives, smoke buys you that extra -1 against thermal and no Soviet Commander should leave home without it. All in all, much better than last time.

Here some pictures! (All taken by Jage and used with his permission)

DC Gamers are Rescheduling, Part Deux!

2010-06-11T16:20:00.002-04:00

Ok folks,
Due to the fact EVERYBODY but Jage and I had to cancel, we're rescheduling for the 26th of June. Sorry it can't be sooner, but Free RPG day is the 19th and Victory told me they aren't giving ANYONE table space. Is what it is I am afraid, so we're going to shoot for the 26th.

In an a related note. Guys, we need input on scheduling. I'm not casting blame, but this is the second month in a row we've had to reschedule, and honestly, it's getting a bit done. So folks, if certain weekends don't work for you, lemme know so we don't pick those weekends. As a rule, we going to try for the 2nd or 3rd Saturday of the month from now on, and I wanna be somewhat more organized about all this, organization will help us grow as an club to a stable membership!

So guys, input is good. I wanna hear from you.

The latest from the painting front, and the family-gaming intersect!

2010-06-07T10:25:00.003-04:00

Ok,
The third squad of Slammers is done. Gotta get the platoon HQ done, but that's a small thing, along with the dismounted vehicle crew and the recon section in skimmers. Then it's onward and upward, I'm either tempted to do the Terminator humans and/or the USCMC for my Aliens stuff. It's a conundrum..not to mention my 20mm really does deserve some attention.

Also, wanted to mention our 5th meeting of DC Gamers is June 12th at Victory Comics. I hope by now interested parties know where this is. If not, I'll simply direct you to read the appropriate blog entry here.

In other news, DC Gamers has a potential new member. My stepfather. He's retiring from the Army and as newly retired folks are wont to do...he's driving mom a bit nuts (Mom, I know you and Lou are reading this...I'm not saying it's a bad thing, but it's true). So, I figured, get him gaming and around people. Mom, I'm going to say this now, he gets back into the hobby? I am not responsible for the following:

Packages from England or elsewhere being more secret than what he used to work on, the garage being turned into a workspace and enough lead and resin to be investigated by the EPA, not to mention the ever present "Hey, I can make terrain/scratchbuild/something clever out of this!"

It'll be good for him, honest. I think...All else fails, you and my wife can commiserate. If she doesn't get you reading TMP first...and really being horrified. Just kidding.

But really, it'll be good all around, I think. And look at it this way..if he's out late...you'll know without a doubt where he is! Which considering I am not as young as I used to be...and that whole real life thing, is NOWHERE near as often as it used to be. And to be honest Battletech is probably the only game I play where things go on for that long. And how often, dear reader, do I write about that anymore?

Not too much to report, but progress is being made.

2010-05-31T18:22:00.003-04:00

Started the third squad of Slammers. I'm about halfway through on basecoats, so I should be done tonight. I figure with some effort, I may FINALLY get the Slammers done next weekend. Hey, I did have things to do this Memorial Day! ;-)

In other news, I got a bunch of vehicles put together, including all my Caffertas and another of my PP Pickup Trucks. I made this one with some Plasticard armor over the windows and an an armored "box" for the truck bed. I think it's going to look great when I paint it! So. I guess I did get some work done.

I took a bunch of stuff down off of the Spring Cleaning thread, and traded them off to Noble Knight, along with a bunch of old XTR ziplock games I am never going to play again. In any event, I am rather happy with the store credit offer I am getting and I do plan to put it to the best use I can, including getting the D8s I really do need. I might finally have enough of them, dagnabit!

I am rather happy with the pace of my 15mm Sci-fi, sure it's slow, but when your eyesight is like mine, I'd rather take my time and save my sight then either rush it or push too hard. I am sure many gamers are in the same boat, and yes, I use A TON of light. I just got a foldup workspace light I really do enjoy. Gets the job done, and it's small and powerful..very recommended and got it for a good price at Utrecht.

I am glad to see AAG's making a lot of progress with Osprey. I am rather ecstatic to see this happen for the crew, good people are hard to find and Shawn and company qualify. Their progress puts many larger companies to shame. And they really do subscribe to the "no game before it's time". Quality shows.

I procured some Rebel Minis Riot Police and the Post-Apoc Survivalists. Both were the usual high quality one can expect from Rebel. The Post Apoc guys were an answer to my prayers especially, as one of them looks a lot like a certain female cyborg for my terminator army....And there's another figure that will do well for John. Yep, the more I can procure, the better. And the Scene's new cyborg line will do well for the older model cyborgs one sees in Terminator Salvation (The rest of the movie, ehh. But, I liked the Machines, with the singular exception of the Mototerminators).

That's it for now, patience all, the rest of the Slammers are coming!

AAR from 4th Meeting of DC Gamers.

2010-05-23T11:23:00.006-04:00

Well,
It went off pretty much without a hitch. We ran two playtests of Tomorrow's War. The first playtest was over before it began, as I tried to move my way mounted into town. Even with the limited militia AT weapons, they still had enough, and the artillery to turn it into something of a fiasco.

The second game was a LOT more dynamic. Blackstone managed to make it to the game and I stepped back as the ref. Jage moved his troops down Blackstone's left and had his dismounted troops gain fire superiority over the militia in town. Things went semi well for him, till had a special event (Don't want to give away the surprise), and the arrival of reinforcements for Blackstone trip him up.

Some may argue that Jage could have been more aggressive. I think his basic tactics were sound. Any lack of aggressiveness is also the nature of the playtest, as we're still feeling the game out. But from what I've seen, again folks, this is a good system that you're gonna like.

As for a future date, we're talking June 12th, as well as making gaming arrangements for non-playtesters. I think we can make this happen folks, but we're still figuring it out. So, stay tuned.

That's all for now folks, here's some pictures:

And the news just keeps coming from AAG!

2010-05-21T20:28:00.004-04:00

More from Shawn and Osprey..all I can say is this is REALLY good news.

We’re excited to announce that the partnership between Osprey Publishing and Ambush Alley Games continues to grow! Our partnership has expanded to include the publication of an Osprey version of Tomorrow’s War, our highly anticipated science fiction title, in 2011. This print version will be illustrated with specially commissioned artwork from some very talented science fiction artists.

In the meanwhile, we still intend to release a PDF version of the rules in 2010. We promised our customers that they’d be playing Tomorrow’s War this year and we’re going to keep that promise. Our Tomorrow’s War in PDF will contain all the rules and scenarios that will be featured in the print version, but the format will be printer friendly with far fewer illustrations and photos. Think of the PDF version as a full pre-release that allows players to dive into Tomorrow’s War sooner than later.
To keep up with all the breaking news (there's more to come - this is a very exciting year for us), please friend us on Facebook, join our forum
(www.ambushalleygames.com/forum), or our Yahoo Group (http://games.groups.yahoo.com/group/AmbushAlley).

This is really exciting, being a playtester, and knowing how much work this game has had put into it. It's exciting folks. I can't say more than that, but if you can think of it with regards to SF gaming, you can do it with these rules. They are that flexible. The AA engine works VERY well for sci-fi and the friction and chaos of your favorite movie or book comes through extremely well. With Osprey's lush visual standards? You can't lose here IMO.

New doings at Ambush Alley Games

2010-05-20T12:20:00.002-04:00

Well folks, this is very good news all around.

The Osprey deal is already bearing fruit..and it's a darn good time to join the SOG...I have.

To quoth Shawn:
As part of our ongoing partnership, Osprey Publishing is offering SOG members a special discount on Osprey products. Simply enter the Osprey discount code when submitting your order to receive a 15% discount on your purchase. Note that this 15% discount is in ADDITION to any other discount or sale that Osprey may have in place for that product! That can add up to some big savings!

SOG members will, of course, continue to enjoy their 15% discount on all AAG published materials as well as the many discounts offered by supporting vendors such as QRF, Rebel Minis, S&S, etc.

If you've been thinking about joining SOG, now is a good time!

Wow, the behind the scenes stuff must be going well if it's moving this fast already.

For more information about SOG, and how to join:

Click Here

My Wargaming projects

2010-05-19T15:53:00.007-04:00

Inspired by Krieger..I'm taking stock of where I am now Wargaming wise...and it's not as bad as I think...

20mm WWII

Germans: I've got a short SS platoon and a Platoon of Late War regulars, I am filling it in with more K-98 armed fellows and a dismounted 2nd LMG for the regulars, along with some personality figures (COI set from FAA, some mounted SS Cav and the Volksturm) the SS have their extra stuff (except for some extra Ehliem personality fellows)! My late war FJs need to be organized and painted, and other than that and I have more than enough vehicles for them. Will pick up guys eventually to do LWFD and Lehr, but that's a bit down the road. So, Late War Germans are done. I can do up to Bulge, I will probably get some Winter Krauts for them eventually. EW Germans are in the nacent stage, but I intend on a Platoon each of SS, FJ and Regulars. Have a nutty idea to get a German Armed trawler to duel with my Soviet Gunboats.

US: The US stuff is kinda haphazard, my Paras are painted more late war than Normandy, and I will paint up some for that period, and my regulars need to be organized a bit. I think if I just sit down and paint it, it'll get done to a level I need. Vehicles are mostly done, but need to build some Shermans for the summer days as well as some more Winter Americans. SGMM will come in handy here. Also want to get my hands on some ACs and M16 Quad .50 HT's for them.

Brits: Done, except they need some lighter stuff, some Fireflies and probably the Paras/Commandos need a bit of filling out. Got enough Britannia to fill out the Canadians, -2 Bren guns...Hope Wargames fills that back-order. Think I've got most of what I need for BEF. Want a Matilda or two for that.

Russians: I may have the proverbial Russian Horde, hell I am not sure how much Russian I have. I am probably just getting some 45mm and 100mm ATG and a SU-76 or three and call it done. May get some lighter boats for my Russian Sailors.

French '40: Pretty much done, may get a 25mm ATG for them, but other than that, just gotta paint 'em.

Belgians '40: Got some second hand, building more later.

Norwegians '40: See above.

Dutch '40: I am done painting and collecting. Got some spare figs that I will filter into my Marines, but other than that...we're good.

US 1941: Need to get a field gun for them and the SGMM mortar and AAMG packs, but I have what I need for them.

Japanese: Got one squad painted, and a ton unpainted...time to fill out the rest.

20mm Post Apocalyptic Cold War Moderns

Soviets/Warpac: Got what I need, except for some fellow in Greatcoats. I really like the Libmins stuff better. Will acquire at some point. May get some Afghansi types for BUTR. I do want to get them some trucks, a ZSU-23-4 and a couple of UAZs.

US: Same. Just need to paint/repaint, as needed. May pick up some specialty to fill out as I need to. May get some more for my BUTR project.

Brits: See above. May pick up some SF to fill this lot out. Need to get them some more light vehicles.

Germans: Have what I need, but was Flecktarn common in the mid-90s? And would G-36 really have been issued in a continuing Cold War? And, do I get the East Germans and just paint them with Olivgrun uniforms?

Armed Civvies: Got plenty, need to work up some other items for them, but that's a case of modifying some BEVO pickup trucks I got in a deal.

Iranians: Ok, I think a mix of some insurgent types on the market now, mixed with some of the Afghani and multipurpose lines would work well for Pasdaran, As for the other items? Well, that's going to be Ehliem West Germans. Maybe a seperate unit of their Pakistanis?

15mm Sci-Fi:

Hammers Slammers: Got what I need, I just need to finish painting it.

Terminator: Other than an Air HK I got from GZG, and some of those Spider Drones, I think we're good here. Got to paint the polymorphs I got, as well as the humans!

Aurore 2300: TFL's done, May get them some tanks later. French need some vehicles, as well as to be painted, as do the Kafers. I think the Heavy APCs from GZG look very Kafer. Eventually a German and US force will be built. I also have some cops and armed civvies that will work well for the Tanstaffl militia. The French Militia I have covered too. Dunno what I will use for US Army and Marines (Edit: Just realized, Rebel minis Hardtop EF Marines will fit the bill rather well, and there's a lot of choices in Hover APCs for the Marines. I've got some wheeled vehicles for the Army as they're going to be a from a Light Mech Brigade)., was thinking the FCT types, which I have, but I am not as nuts about them as I used to be. The NAC will be the Brits, I just need to get them some vehicles.

Aliens: USCMC is done, have some extra figures promised to GG. Just gotta paint it.
Aliens, will fill out my QRF holdings with some Khurasan Space Demons.

Stargate, my way: Got the figs except for some more Jaffa. Gotta paint it

Djazlah: Have the figures to do it, may need some more vehicles, for both the Emir and the Caliph, but that will be relatively easy.

Traveller: Got the figures, GG's making the APCs for the Imperial Marines, Army's going to be my CMG Arc Fleet Recon guys. GZG Hi-Tech Grav for the vehicles. As for the Zhos? New Israelis from GZG and their Advanced Grav. Got the figs for Aslan, but not sure about vehicles. Vargr will be a mix of RAFM and GZG. Also have some RAFM stuff for the generic lower-tech troops/Swordies/mercs (mix them with the OUDF fellas I have).

The UNSC I picked up? Mixed with the Rebel Minis spies...Generic SF types.

I also have some odds and sods, probably going to be some generic baddies or alien hordes types, though the more ridiculous stuff may go. Stay tuned on that.

6mm Sci Fi

Real mix of Battletch, Ogre, GZG, Stan Johansen, and some Brigade Models stuff. I may even have some GW Epic...not real sure. I do have a LOT of 'Mechs. Not planning on getting anything more till I organize and paint this lot.

6mm Modern

Soviets: Got plenty, maybe a few more T-62s and some BTR-50s/152s but we're done. Just paint more. Also, some Soviet Airborne types (infantry).

West Germans: Done, may get some Light Infantry, Just paint

Brits: Need some Warriors and more Challeys. And, some more FV-432.

US: Done with Germany, Iran plans are coming along, want to just get some US light forces built.

Iran: Very early in the process. My Brits can do double duty to SOME extent here. And I have 113s coming out of my ears. Need lots of infantry for these fellas.

Terrain needs

Roads, Rivers, Forest bases (one can make those out of felt), more hills, walls and some more farm like buildings, but I got plenty of everything else. Also need jungle and swamp terrain for my Pacific stuff. And, a desert mat.

Long post...phew.

New Blogs and painting

2010-05-17T16:12:00.002-04:00

Two freinds of mine have put up new blogs, I'm going to mention them here because I think they need encouragement and a general welcome to blogland.

The first is Kreiger's Wargaming Records. It's got a clean look and the pictures are good quality. I am really enjoying the work he's putting in with the Cafferta from Khurasan. I wholeheartedly recommend it.

The second is GG's Log of Miniature Wargaming. This is another friend of mine who reminds me of me a bit back when. He's only got one post, but his painting work is darn good and I want to encourage him to share more of it on his blog.

As for my own painting? I got another squad of Slammers done, and I hope to get more done this week. Now that I've found a rhythm for painting them, as well as a color scheme I like...it's pretty easy to get the job done. 15s are fun like that. I think I can probably get the lot done by Wed/Thurs at the worst. And when they are done, look for a TFL-style write up for them...I really had fun with that.

In other news, Rebel Minis has released these nifty PA survivors who I think may get added to my Human Resistance army for Terminator...now I just gotta paint the darn lot up!

Not much else left, other than take a look at the Spring Cleaning list, theres a couple more items that are going up as I remember to put them there, and that which is there is going a bit briskly. Also, for those local, our postponed meeting is THIS weekend.

Pretty cool wanted poster generator

2010-05-13T21:34:00.003-04:00

The wonders never cease...It seems the folks behind the Red Dawn remake have put something rather neat on their web site. A WANTED POSTER generator. Yes, that's right. Something more for your buildings! Hey, it's in Chinese, but by the time you shrink it down to 28mm, it's kinda moot!

Here's the link

Check it out!

DC GAMERS ARE RESCHEDULING!

2010-05-13T20:29:00.003-04:00

Hi all, due to some unforseen events all around, we're going to reschedule the meeting for next week at the same time and place.

So, it's at Victory Comics

May 22nd, 2010
at 11AM

Questions, concerns and comments can be made to me here at the blog, or at jason.weiser@gmail.com

2010 Spring Cleaning-UPDATED 5/20, more stuff going up soon!

2010-05-12T21:15:00.013-04:00

Items for Sale/Trade:

Tac Publications- Arc of Fire- $5
Two Hour Wargames- Chain Reaction 1st Ed- $1

Gurps 3rd Ed (All large books are $5 and small books are $2.50)
High Tech (L)
Compendium 1(L)
Time Travel (L)

Miniatures

GHQ W38 SO-120 1pk - $4
H & R German BP 44 Armored Train ($12)

12 20mm Skytrex Modern Russians in Winter Coats +1 AGS-17 and 1 AT-3 Sagger $14

Prices don’t include shipping.

What am I looking for in trade?

15mm Sci fi: Anything Old Crow, Combat Wombat, Brigade Models or DLD. GZG NSL Armored Figures, or the new Hover Vehicles, Khurasan Space Demons. Any buildings.

20mm WWII : FAA Norwegians, Belgians, Poles, Early War Germans. Also Hungarians for later war. 100mm Soviet ATG or 76mm FG. US 76mm ATG or 1/72 Scale US M8 or M20 Armored Cars, Soviet SU-76, BA-10. Pak 97/38 75mm Hybrid ATG. FAA or SGMM USMC, or Ehliem or SGMM Winter Germans or Americans. Also, Ehliem Panzer Lehr or LWFD.

20mm Cold War 1980s: Any British light vehicles. Soviet UAZ-469, OT-64, T-62, ZSU-23-4. ZU-23, Anything suitable for Iranians. Libmins Brits, especially SF.

15mm RCW: Just about anything figures wise.

1/285: M-47, M-48s, Soviet Towed Artillery (any), F-4s, Su-17/22s.

Rules: Modern Spearhead, Fistful of Tows II, Cold War Commander.

If interested, email me at jason.weiser@gmail.com

REMINDER: 4th Meeting of DC Miniature Gamers

2010-05-12T14:42:00.004-04:00

The Date: May 15th, 2010

Time: 11ish (we're not fanatics about this)

Place: Victory Comics
586 S. Washington Street
Falls Church, VA
(703)241-9393

We'll be having a closed playtest of TW, but I think an after game with straight FoF rules can be accomplished. I may even, possibly, by some bloody miracle, get the damned Slammers done before the game...

Let me know one way or the other whether or not you're coming. Also to be discussed, more frequency in meetings and or variety of games as well as the discovery of some folks in Alexandria.

AAR from Last Night's Irish Rebellion Game.

2010-05-08T10:28:00.003-04:00

Well, the trip was worth it, even if the trip iteslf was open to a lot of frustration. Thanks Metro! In any event, I got there around 8, happily the game hadn't begun, and I met Steve (the game organizer), Dave (my ride back to metro, THANKS DAVE!) and Stephen (who was something of the comic relief) and Andy, who was a hale fellow himself.

The game was set during the Rising of '16 and was of course, in Dublin. The Irish (Dave and I) had to inflict 10 casualties and force the beleaguered British garrison (Played by Steve)in the Barracks(a Miniature Building Authority Roadside Tavern) to surrender. The British (Andy and Stephen) meanwhile, had several relief columns coming up to help out the garrison and kill us Irish and save the crown's presence in Ireland. Rules were Trench Wars, a neat little set for skirmishes in this scale. Might pick it up for RCW.

After some planning and judicious use of barricades, we setup in buildings surrounding the barracks, Dave's larger force was going to hold off, best he could, the British relief column. It was a tall order, as they had a Lewis Gun and an a 18lbdr. Me, I was to assault and take the barracks. I left one squad behind to support the assault and sent my other three squads in on the right of the barracks. We did shoot some Brits dead on the way in, but they gave as good as they got, and their fire killed many a lover of Guinness and Yeats that day.

Meanwhile, Dave was giving the Brits a bit of a problem overlooking BOTH intersections the Brits needed to get to the barracks, and the car barricades we setup didn't help matters. Stephen at this point, had been shooting the snot out of my stay behind squad, and with only two survivors left, sent a half squad in to finish matters. Well, the Irish versions of Jason Statham and Jackie Chan musta been up there, because those two killed all 5 of the Brits....(Yes, I had some very un-Jason-like rolling). So, we held, until another group of Brits came up and finished us off very unceremoniously.

While all that was occurring, my surviving Irish knocked down the fences covering the approaches to the barracks and killed two Brits in the courtyard with rifle fire, then assaulted the ground floor of the main barracks block. Amazingly, we took no casualties in the melee, and killed 5 Brits, forcing the surrender of the remainder of the garrison. We elected to play a little longer, and a group of Highlanders made an assault to retake the barracks, they ran into some rifle fire, then gained entry, only to find out they were outnumbered. It wasn't going well for them when we called it, but the British had retaken the anteroom of the barracks and there were a few fresh British units behind. They would have eventually retaken it, but I suspect the price would have been high.

The game was fun, and the grill that Steve put on was a very welcome surprise. I'd so do this again, and I did a bit of telling them about Victory Comics and what we do there once a month. So, all in all, a very successful outing.

Taking the day off....and I think it will be good for me.

2010-05-06T21:18:00.006-04:00

Well,
I updated a story I have been working on, nothing of interest to wargamers, but perhaps I'll post it here if there's requests? Also, been trying to get back into the painting groove, I think tomorrow and Saturday, I'll get some work done on the Hammers Infantry. Ought to be done by the end of the weekend. Of course, there will be pictures!!

Also, I am going to a 28mm Irish Rebellion game set during the Rising of '16 tomorrow. Never gamed that period before. I am looking forward to the game, and who knows, perhaps I'll meet some people to have over to Victory Comics from time to time? I guess if you put your mind to something, you can do it.

Other than that, I am involved in a Battletech Strategic Game that's helping a guy in Australia come up with the action for an alternate 4th Succession War. Ah, give me the days of Hanse and co! That was Battletech!

I might be offering up some 20mm stuff for trade/sale soon. I've gotten better Japanese sculpts and frankly, the Japanese I have aren't all that great, so out the door they will go. They're primed and based, so I should get something decent for them. There will probably be some Skytrex Modern Russians going with it. But I've got to get some time to go through it all.

So, that's it here, just wanted to make sure the blog don't get stale!

SITREP and some other matters.

2010-05-02T21:55:00.003-04:00

First off, I got some new paints and figures lately, including some Khurasan Resistance guys and Cafferta APCs for my QRF marines. I'll keep you posted on that, but I wanna finish the Slammer infantry first. I just haven't had the time to do a lot of painting recently due to some home fires that needed tending.

In other news, the next meeting at Victory Comics is scheduled for May 15th at Victory Comics. It's a really nice place and we got a good table for the purpose. Now all we gotta do is get some more playtests in. TW is going to be a great rules set, I promise you.

Blood Upon The Risers is slightly delayed, as I need time to work out the nature of the scenarios, and it will be the next "guinea pig" I subject the group to when we're done with TW testing. But then again, sci-fi's real popular with us..but hey, you got time and an idea? Come on by!

That's all for now. Hope to see you there!

Also, I forgot to mention, we have a meetup group now, so if you're in the area, let us know and we'll love to have you attend our events!

Link to Meetup Group!

AAR 4/24/10 Meeting of DC Gamers

2010-04-24T19:40:00.011-04:00

Well. We came, we saw, we gamed. We playtested the AAG Game "Tomorrow's War" that's currently under development. I can't get into too many details, but suffice to say, it's going to be a good game. I am very confident in it's quality. We identified some tweaks that might be needed, but nothing too glaring that we saw.

All in all, Sci-fi gamers are in for a treat. I have some pics of the game as well as some scratchbuilds from one of our members, Jage, who well, beats me all hallow.

Here's some pics from the game. Happy Gaming all.

The Cover for Blood Upon the Risers!

2010-04-22T00:09:00.003-04:00

Well, I promised I'd have something soon, I just didn't think this soon! Amazing what a little motivation and depravity can accomplish! Comments?

I guess this is impressive enough for Post #100

2010-04-21T09:38:00.007-04:00

It's big news, really big and to be honest, it couldn't happen to better people:

Dear AAG Customers,

I am pleased to announce that Ambush Alley Games has entered into a publishing agreement with Osprey Publishing to release an updated, omnibus edition of our core modern rule books in 2011. The combined edition will be entitled Ambush Alley: Force on Force and will contain all the rules necessary to play Ambush Alley and Force on Force style games!

In addition to the Ambush Alley: Force on Force core rule-book, Ambush Alley Games and Osprey will be releasing new companion books containing scenarios, special rules, and organizations for several specific modern military operations.

I’m very excited about this collaboration, because I believe it will bring you the best that both companies have to offer. You’ll be receiving the same exciting content that we’ve been providing since 2007 and, thanks to Osprey, it will be presented in an even higher quality and more affordable format!

SOG members should be excited to hear that Osprey will continue to honor their 15% discount on all AAG rule-books and companion books they publish. It gets better, though! Osprey will extend that same 15% discount to all their publications and the discount will be applied in addition to any sales or discounts offered by Osprey!

This is a big step in our development as a company and we hope you’re all as excited about it as we are. Rest assured that you’ll continue to see the same level of customer service and responsiveness you’ve received from us in the past – in fact, we’re working on some projects that will actually make us even more accessible and allow us to provide more effective customer support, including enhanced convention and SOG support.

We’ll keep you updated on new developments. Osprey will be making an official announcement later this week, but we thought you should get the word first!

If you have any questions, please send them to info@ambushalleygames.com.

Thanks again for all your support!

Shawn, Robby & Peggy.

What can I say? I approve this wholeheartedly. Osprey and AAG have had consistently high production values in their products. To me, AAG has really set the bar on a small press game company and what it SHOULD be. It's why I wrote the free rules supplements I did, and it's why I am active on their forums, and just doing all I can to help the game grow (including helping to playtest some upcoming stuff). Shawn's commented on this blog a few times, and he's a class guy, and he's got some great folks working for him like Robby and Peggy. It's a far cry from what you see happening with some larger companies I won't name these days. It's why they get my support, because they listen to the fans. Osprey is a larger company, but somehow, their writers are accessible as well. I occasionally email with Gordon Rottmann and Leigh Neville, (Leigh is very occasional). I just can't see how this is anything but full of win for both parties.

Well done all around!

Now, as you may have noticed, it's post #100 here. I've been a busy blogger these past two years, and as much as I am still feeling like I am finding my niche, it's nice to see I've got fans. I hope you continue to like what I write, and that you continue to read, and hey, send your friends! And if you're interested in something? Lemme know, and I'll see what I can do to write about it. I really do run the table here and I like that. I don't want to be about JUST ONE THING. Gets boring I think.

Also, I wanted to do some quick: "What am I reading" on the wargaming side.

First off, SOTCW 69 arrived last week, and I sat down to read it. I liked much of the content, and I especially enjoyed the article on Soviet Cav in WWII. The choice of scenario was a bit interesting, and one wonders if adapting a certain scenario from Cross of Iron (the SL supplement) might not have worked better? But, it was a solid issue with a lot of neat reviews that had me wondering if plastics really are improving these days.

I also picked up digital versions of Battlegames 1 and 18. I liked them overall, and was impressed by the production values for the money. The articles by the resident wargaming widow are my favorite. Now if I could just get my art major Mrs. to recognize she has talents I can more than USE! I was a bit let down by the seeming focus on the 18th Century. Hey, I know people like it and play it, but I only saw a few issues with something more oriented towards me could use. That said, perhaps it's just a case of getting more submissions? Time to fire up the word processor!

Work continues apace on my new freebie for Force on Force. "Blood Upon the Risers". It's slow going because I am an absolute klutz at map making for scenarios. So, if there's anyone out there who wants to offer tips? I'm all for it. Thank god real places are involved, as it's hard enough making maps from whole cloth!!!

Well, enough for now. And thanks to everyone for reading! Here's to another 100 posts!

Next meeting of the DC Gaming Group and a status report

2010-04-18T17:03:00.004-04:00

First off, the third meeting of the DC Gaming Group is in it's new location:

Victory Comics
586 S. Washington Street
Falls Church, VA
(703)241-9393

Drop on by. I am really excited by this and I think this will lead to some nice developments!

As for the painting front, I was slightly delayed in finishing the Hammers Slammers Infantry due to some RL stuff. I'll be done with them in time for the 24th I think, but that might remain to be seen. In any event. We'll see. I also paid a visit to the Hobby Works in Rockville for their annual sale. I managed to get out of there for less than $20 and mostly got some paint, brushes, and a MRC Jagdpanzer IV for $10. Wish they had some of the BTR-80s they make, but c'est la vie.

So come on by. We'd love to meet you, game will be TBA at this point, but I am very sure we'll come up with something, in fact, knowing AA/FoF, we'll probably manage to get two games in!

New release over at Khurasan

2010-04-05T22:22:00.003-04:00

Their Cafferta APC is out! It looks great honestly and the pictures show what looks to be a clean and easy to assemble kit. JBR has done it again IMO folks, but once I manage to get some later this month, I'll let you know in a more in-depth review. I think the QRF Marines just moved up the paint queue!

Hammers Slammer's 15mm Test Figure

2010-04-03T13:56:00.002-04:00

Well, here's the first of the Hammer's Slammers Platoon and may I say, this was better than I thought it would be.

Next meeting of the DC Gaming Group

2010-04-03T10:51:00.002-04:00

Our next meeting will be at Victory Comics in Falls Church on 24th April beginning at Noon. Game will be some form of FoF but if you wanna come out, come on by and say hi.
For details about Victory Comics, see this post.

Hope to see you there!

The Combat Cars are done!

2010-03-31T22:29:00.002-04:00

Here they are! Next is the Infantry!

The Mat arrived! And other ideas.

2010-03-25T09:45:00.005-04:00

Well, my mat from Hotz Artworks arrived. I was suitably impressed, though the wife referred to it as a "piece of felt". The mat was solid, no bald patches or discolorations and it glided! Figures are going to move like butter on that thing...eventually, I will get a desert mat for Djazlah. Sometimes, I wish she was a bit more understanding of the hobby, but I understand her POV...we're a bit cramped. And yeah, I might be culling the collection again at some point, when that is? Dunno. In any event, right now, I am happily assimilating some DLD Productions Komodos I managed to acquire. It's a shame the guy isn't making the stuff anymore, he did some AMAZING work. They're going to go with the DLD I already had to make up the core force of the Emir's army(Be nice if I could get some more Bengals though). If anyone out there has other DLD stuff they want to get rid of in 15mm, lemme know. I'm always on the lookout for it. Same goes for the old Grenadier 20mm figures for Twilight 2000.

There's some other gaming related stuff that's going on for me right now. I can't talk about it..NDA's involved you know. Needless to say, it's very cool. I am enjoying my hobby again...it's been a while. My painting is VERY productive and Jage is really spurring me on with his own work. Now if I can get some time to get my OWN Sahadeen done!

Yes, I know the 20mm has taken a back seat, but right now, it's the 15mm that's showing some promise. Not only that...I'm thinking of getting my Modern US and Stargate stuff done for October. I think a Zombie themed game would for October's meeting WOULD ROCK HARD!

Djazlah, French forces in the Field (Short post)

2010-03-24T13:51:00.006-04:00

Sketch by George, The artist (George) reserves all rights to this work, and it is used here with his permission. You can contact him at jagethebrain@gmail.com. More to come soon.

An charcoal and pencil image drawn by a French War artist of a I/REAI trooper on a sweep through the lower Northern highlands after a successful Sahadi ambush of a Caliphate supply column. The sweep turned up a single contact with four local force Sahadi, none of whom were taken alive.

The figure is carrying the FAR-27 bullpup rifle in 7.5mm Short, but is missing the clip on 35mm grenade launcher that is usually standard. The "curiasse de tactique" is camouflaged with local paint stocks, a usual expedient as the "bleus" and the Kepi de combat stood out for Sahadi snipers like a sore thumb. This troops seems to be buying trouble, as he is defiantly wearing the Kepi Blanc.

More Work in Progress photos of the Combat Cars and a 15mm Pickup for my Human Resistance forces for Terminator.

2010-03-21T13:04:00.004-04:00

I thought I'd take another photo session of my Hammers Slammers Combat Cars, as well as a photo of a project I'm working on with some Peter Pig trucks. All I am awaiting now is the Selpduvian Resistance fellas from Khurasan Miniatures. I am going to mix them with the militia types from GZG and I think we'll have something, that with the right paint work, looks darn close to what we saw on the big and small screens to the human resistance fighters.

Anyhow, here's the pics:

A little Force On Force, a new meeting place, and date.

2010-03-20T22:25:00.008-04:00

Well, the second meeting of the DC Gamers worked out very well. Curt showed up, as did me and Jage. We ran a scenario of Curt's design that was about the fighting in Anzio during the static phase of the beachhead fighting. It simulated a local push by German 3rd PzGrd Div (mot) against the perimeter of 3rd Infantry Division as part of Fischfang.. The players were the US side (me) and the Germans, ably played by Jage. The US was understrength, with two squads, a .30 cal MG and a Bazooka team.

The map was mostly open, with a couple small stands of woods and a line of ruins over mostly muddy terrain. The ruins were mostly towards the German side of the table, and they used them well to get in position to launch the assault on the US position on a rubbled building forward of the main line set up in the woods.

The German objective was to get at least a squad or more off the US end of the table, or failing that, to take the house. The US job, hold on for dear life. Both sides pulled one asset card before the game, I pulled a sniper card, and Jage a Light Artillery card.

The Germans opened by gaining initiative and shooting up the house, even with the cover the US troops had, the casualties began to mount. US fire was somewhat effective, but did little in the way to slow the Germans down. In the center, the US squad holding the woods traded fire with two German squads set up across the muddy fields in the line of rubble.

On turn 3, the Germans had killed all the Americans in the lower floor of the building and were in the process of assaulting it. But, as the Germans moved forward, the US sniper and remaining Americans on the upper floors took their tool, wounding or killing several Germans.

In the center, the casualties began to mount as the Germans found that even the cover of the buildings didn't protect them completely. Casualties on both sides piled up.

On turn 4, the worm turned, and I finally won initiative. The Americans stymied the German assault on the house just short of their goal. The squad in the center failed it's morale check, but the Americans paid for it...with German counterfire mauling the squad in the woods, the remaining defenders of the house falling and an attempt by the Americans to reinforce the line with the .30 and the Bazooka ending badly, as both elements were shot to pieces, the bazooka team fleeing back to the safety of the woods.

On turn 5, the game ended with more fire being traded by both sides and a German fire mission finally arriving to pound the woods to little effect. After that, it was agreed that the US had won a marginal victory on points...as the Germans had effectively taken the house, but they had bled so much taking it that the US could simply pull back and set up a new line based on the woods. Two German squads were combat ineffective, and the third had two seriously wounded members and wouldn't attempt an assault on it's own, even with three halftracks...the Bazooka was still out there.

Here's some pictures:

In other news, we have a date and place for the next meeting, 24 April at Victory Comics in Falls Church. You can find name and contact information in the previous Battletech post here.

We might have a sooner 15mm sci-fi event either at Pallisades or Victory Comics, but that's space dependent. Watch this space for details...and hey, if you're in the DC area, reading this, and like any of the AAG games, come join us!

Some pictures from Saturday's Battletech Game!

2010-03-16T19:02:00.008-04:00

The Stone Rhino before he got the PPC to the head!

Some of the Wobbies before the fighting commenced

Some of the Elementals who frustrated the designs of the WoB this day!

The Jade Falcon Executioner A who took a heavy toll of Blakists.

All 'Mechs were painted by Falcon Guard/Blackstone, with certain exceptions (the Stone Rhino and the Executioner, which are Dave Fanjoy pieces).

A little late, but here goes. DC Gamer Meeting this weekend.

2010-03-16T15:40:00.004-04:00

The DC Gaming Group is proud to announce it's second meeting! March 20th at 1:00 PM at the Pallisades Neighborhood Library in Northwest DC. This is the last meeting at this location, Future meetings will be held at Victory Comics.

We'll be playing some Force On Force 20mm WWII, the scenario's set in the sunny seaside town of Anzio. The natives are showing their typical Teutonic hospitality. So come on by, it will be the Large PAL meeting room.

We'd be especially grateful if you happen to have a groundsheet. Mine is not going to make it in time from Hotz Mat.

And they say running a blog is easy...Hah! New release from GZG for their 25s line...now if only these were in 15s....

2010-03-15T16:30:00.005-04:00

But, knowing GZG, I suspect the 15mm line is well in hand. I really like the look of these guys.

The TMP story can be found here

UPDATE: This just in from GZG when I asked Jon about the prospect of these fellas in 15mm:

No plans at the moment, but it's not impossible......

Jon (GZG)

All I can say is, folks, warm up the email and ask, nicely for them. They look great in 25mm and the Molts were a neat, unique race in the fiction I've read. So Jon, what say you sir? Up to the challenge? I think so, what, with all the really nice 15mm releases thus far!

Yesterday's Classic Battletech Game.and a review of Victory Comics

2010-03-14T22:20:00.004-04:00

Well, I did promise to mention this...and frankly dear reader, I should have written this sooner. The game was held at a relatively new establishment called Victory Comics. Do not let the name fool you, it's planning to do more, a lot more.

The location is about 1 1/2 to 2 miles from the East Falls Church Metro. The location's nice, parking isn't too bad, and the location itself is airy, well lit (extremely so much to our very happy surprise). The owner is a nice, no drama guy who trusts his staff and the staff is knowledgeable and one even sat down and gamed with us for a short time.

I am planning on holding a DC Gamer's meeting there either the 17th or the 24th of April and I'm thinking this will probably be a switch from the library. It's very close to the bus lines from the metro, and the store closes at 9, so getting out of there isn't going to cause very much in the way of drama. Snacks and soda are sold for VERY reasonable rates on site and there are a few very good places to eat, Elevation Burger being one I highly recommend.

Selection of hobby materials is limited, for now, but the store owner and staff both told me that they do plan to get more stock in, depending on what people play. In short, I rather like this place, and I do plan to return as often as I can manage to get out there. The place has something FOR everybody.

Anyway, here's the address and POC information:

Victory Comics
586 S. Washington Street
Falls Church, VA
(703)241-9393
Ask for Jeff, he's the Big Kahuna there and a really nice guy.

Here are some pics of the gaming area to give you an idea of just how nice this place is.

As for the Battletech game, well it was a surrounded Jade Falcon unit being set upon by some Wobbies. Things went bad for the Falcons the first couple of turns. We had our Ryoken hit by a 'Mech taser...not fun, and our Stone Rhino taking a Heavy PPC to the head, hell of a way to get one's portrait taken, eh! And we had a Night Gyr down with an Engine and a Gyro hit. Well, things turned around, first, Blackstone nailed one of the offending bad guys with a series of AC/20 rounds from a Hunchback IIC...Hunchbacks in the city...never fun to deal with. And Blackstone proved why..He had two AC/20 carriers (the Hunchback and a Executioner), a Star of Elementals, and 4 Tyr Hovers. The Manei Dominei we found out, for all of their C3 advantage, which is not a good thing to begin with, don't do well in cities. And Blackstone is an artist with light units.

As for me, after losing the Stone Rhino, and facing down 2 100 tonners (An Archangel piloted by Beirith himself) and a Titan II, and a Raptor II. I collapsed the position as best as I could. I was under pressure on the other flank where I was using the left hand lower corner of the woodland map with the wooded hills as best as I could, but even with the cover I had, the shots were telling. But, the Clanners rallied and killed a Wraith the old fashioned way by coring a torso. We also crippled the Raptor II by the time we called the game. All agreed, as much as the Wobbies had lost two lighter 'Mechs to our one (An assault), neither side could claim a win. Yeah, we were shot up, I had engine hits GALORE, but the Wobbies were sporting a lot of 'Mechs with head hits and had taken a lot of missile fire from Elementals.

I learned a few things yesterday:

1. ECM is vital when going Wobbie hunting, don't leave home without it.

2. Faster Wobbies need to die first, they're going to spot for the C3 network and then you get the missile/PPC/VPL/god knows what at close range.

3. Wobbies have a tough time in close terrain, they're faster, but they don't pack JJs as much in the heavier designs, I know, they're Omnis..but take a look in the 3075 TRO sometime. They're very tight designs for the tonnage because all the bennies that make them hard to kill are very, very bulky. More often than not, you'll have the firepower advantage. Lesson to Wobbie players? Don't go ANYWHERE alone, just like the horror movies.

4. Wobbies die like everyone else in cities, and Elementals, like cats, may have most people believing they work well alone, but they work better in pairs..and SRM-20 on Wobbie 'Mechs that don't for some reason, usually pack AMS? Yeah, Clan players STILL have options.

These were hard won lessons, and I expect to learn more as I play them..but the number one thing, they're tougher to kill than any 'Mech you'll ever face. Big guns are a must shooting Wobbies..even the light ones..Pulses are also good party favors.

Combat Cars WIP

2010-03-14T10:07:00.003-04:00

They're turning out pretty well thus far. I am liking the way they're looking comparable to the scheme on the tanks, which of course, is the point, correct? I am looking forward to finishing these and getting the infantry done.

Comments gang?

Started on the Combat Cars and got some custom decals

2010-03-12T23:16:00.002-05:00

I am proving to be very productive of late. I am working on the Hammers Slammers Combat Cars, and I should finish them by next week at the latest. They are a fast paint job, being monochromatic. Heck, I think the weathering and the stowage add some color to what would be some very drab vehicles otherwise. But, that's the way Drake wrote them, and they seem to work for the unit. But, I gotta say, the next unit I paint is going to be a bit more lively.

I am working on color scheme ideas for both the Caliph's Army, as well as the Emir's. As i got custom decals to go with the flags I worked up. They're roundels that match the flag colors. I am liking the shape and unique scheme of the roundels, they have a sci-fi look to them for sure.

I have also been working on detailed TOEs of late, and I'll post them as soon as I have the time. I promise to keep more coming with Djazlah. It's proven to be a popular idea and I want to game it as soon as I can. I have and am getting the figures for the place. 15mm Sci-fi is proving to be quite the place to be in wargaming these days. That's all for now.

Djazlah, a Primer, Part 2

2010-03-10T23:39:00.002-05:00

These are the positions of the combatants on the inhabited Eastern continent on Djazlah. There are small, independent settlements between and outside these controlled areas, and all combatants range outside their home areas into both the uncontrolled areas, and each other's "secure zones".

The Western continent has not been settled, and the only expedition that set out for the land mass was lost ten years ago just before the outbreak of civil war. Rumors of intelligent indig life or prehistoric monsters aren't seen as realistic by any scientific authorities, but the French Light Cruiser in orbit sends a recon drone or three over every couple of weeks to be on the safe side.

A break from Djazlah, The Hammer's Slammers Tanks are done!

2010-03-08T15:39:00.001-05:00

Here they are, they're done and IMO, they look great. I found them easy to paint and receptive to some alteration with green stuff and work with stowage. The Decals Express stuff works well too, and they really bring the Hammers Slammers look together. I hope the Combat Cars turn out as nice.

Flags and Armies of Djazlah, Part 4

2010-03-05T20:44:00.007-05:00

French forces on Djazlah:

12e Demi-Brigade de la Légion Étrangère (Provisionale)

I/Regiment Etranger de Aero Infantrie (from Regiment Etranger De Aero-Infantrie)

II/1e Regiment Etranger Parachutiste (from 2e REP)

III/1e REC (from 1e Regiement Etranger de Cavalrie)

II/5e REI (from 5e Regiment Etranger de Infantrie)

1 company from II/6e REG (Regiment Etranger de Genie)

1 battery from II/1e REA (Regiment Etranger de Artillerie)

The II/5e REI and the III/1e REC spend most of their time running patrols and convoys along the roads and wadis of the lowlands on Djazlah. The I/REAI and II/1e REP are held in readiness as strike forces against enemy concentrations and often work in conjunction with teams from 1e RIPMa against identified targets in the highlands and northwest lowlands.

Equipment is French Army standard, including the blueish-gray "combat bleus" but the troops wear the "Kepi de Combat" which is a dark green instead of the conspicuous "Kepi Blanc". However, many units still stubbornly wear the Kepi Blanc, even in action. The helmet is the standard Mle 2200, with flip down HUD goggles and "Net de Tactique" tie in.

Flags and armies of Djazlah, Part 3

2010-03-05T11:42:00.006-05:00

The Sahadi movement on Djazlah is a new sect of Islam with shadowy origins amongst the Af-Pak refugees living mostly in the highlands. These people were never very open with outsiders either back on Earth, or here on Djazlah, and this recent development hasn't changed anything.

What is known is this. They are led by a man only known as "The Sahadi". He is surrounded by a dozen members of his "Black Guard", men, and surprisingly, women who have sworn loyalty to the death to him and to the tenets of the Sahad way.

The "way", as it is referred to often by believers, seems to be made up of the following tenets:

1) Equity of all before god, this includes women. However, all good Muslims must recognize Sahad as continuing the work of Muhammad and Ali, Muhammed's first cousin. Therefore, Shia are considered fellow believers, if a bit deluded. Sunni are despised. Other religions are treated with benign neglect, as dhimmitude is frowned upon as "unworthy of the people of Sahad".

2) Jihad against apostates is the highest form of service to God, however, the time of your sacrifice is fixed by God, not by you, or someone else, therefore, suicide is considered an act of apostates.

3) Djazlah is for the faithful. Others of the book may live here, but they must acknowledge and respect that the world is for the faithful.

Oddly, for a guerrilla army, prisoners are often treated well and are released unharmed after a time. The Sahadi are often compared more with the 19th Century desert tribes than more modern terror groups. They do not surrender themselves, and will often fight to the death when cornered.

Uniforms tend to be long flowing cloaks with goggles and respirator masks. The colors tend mostly towards browns and grays, but the "Black Guard" wears blacks and greys and often carries pistols, shotguns and blades, and excels at infiltration of enemy positions. Weapons are a mix from several sources, but predominantly Manchu, Russian and Japanese of Caucasian War surplus vintage.

The French have identified some 12 main force battalion groups amongst the guerrillas, and another three battalions of the Black Guard. The French believe there are also 15 more battalion sized local force groups that remain fairly static and defend the mountain strongholds against raids from the French and the Caliph's troops.

Armies and Flags of Djazlah, Part 2

2010-03-04T22:45:00.002-05:00

Flag and Army of the Emir of Djazlah

Gazi Al-Hazi the V, Son of Hekmatyr, Emir of Djazlah. He is currently a Emir without a throne, and he is waging an increasingly ignoble war to do so. He has gone from interstellar playboy to hardened killer who is determined to take back his world and avenge his father’s death, whatever the cost to him, his followers and ultimately, the people of his world. He shows the French interlopers no mercy at all either. To him, they are worse than the Caliph, they are jackals feeding on the home of his birthright.

His army consists of:

1 battalion of the Elite “Steel Hand” who are light raiding troops who specialize in raiding mining convoys from heavily armed jeeps. Often travelling for weeks in the Caliph’s territory in fast and heavily armed light wheeled and half-tracked vehicles.

4 brigades of motorized infantry (Regular), the units often operate in platoon sized elements, launching raids and occasional smash and grabs against French held mines and outlying Caliph firebases and checkpoints. Each brigade consists of three battalions and are equipped with a mix of pre-war equipment, imported gear, and impressed civilian vehicles.

4 brigades of regional forces of four battalions each. These organizations are scattered amongst the isolated lowlands of the northeastern end of the continent where the emir has his base of support. These are part-time soldiers who rarely stray far from their homes and usually end up defending their homes from attacks from the Caliph’s men, or the French.

Flags and summaries of the major factions on Djazlah, Part 1

2010-03-04T21:37:00.006-05:00

Flag of the Caliphate of Djazlah:

Banner of the Army of Ibn Hauk Al Mhazdi, the Munificent, the conqueror of Al-Hazi the wicked.

Al-Mhazdi is the puppet ruler of the French dominated colony. His main job is to keep the populace pacified and the French mines unmolested either by the remains of the Emir's forces, or the thick-necked Sahadi from the highlands. He has the following forces at his disposal:

The Caliphs Guard Brigade (Elite Hover Mech brigade of 4 battalions, one is on duty at the Caliph's palace at all times on a rotating basis, with the other three battalions rotating between the starport, the Caliph's summer palace and their barracks on the north end of the capital).

3 Armored Cav Regiments, named the Abd-El-Krim Regiment, the Ahmed Belbachir Haskouri Regiment, and the Saladin Regiment (3 squadrons of battalion size each) (Regulars) (Scattered in penny packets as QRFs to back up the scattered infantry garrisons along the lowlands and foothills bordering the highlands. Equipment is imported light tracked armor and APCs.

1 4 Battalion Motorized Infantry Brigade, 1st "Host of the Caliph" Brigade (Regulars) (Equipment is imported wheeled APCs from French surplus) (Unit is often deployed as part of the QRFs in concert with the Armored Cav Regiments)

3 Infantry Brigades of 5 battalions each, 1st, 2nd, 3rd Brigades (Regulars), the units are newly raised by the French and are equipped by them wholly, units are moved by impressed civilian trucks.

2 "Soldiers of the Holy" Reserve Divisions and a Motorized Brigade of reservists. These units have never been called up and their performance if they actually would probably be dubious at best.

Blue Moon Manufacturing is releasing new 15mm Sci-Fi Line

2010-03-04T16:47:00.003-05:00

I like the looks of them, they have a certain anime feel. But we won't be seeing them for a while, Origins 2010 is the release date according to the website.

Pictures can be seen below:

More can be seen here(scroll down).

And, a TMP post with more details can be found here

Djazlah, A primer, part 1

2010-03-03T11:19:00.009-05:00

Djazlah was discovered by the French fly by probe Boussole in 2165, with a more detailed survey by the Persian survey vessel Ahmad ibn Rustah in 2194. The world was considered somewhat marginal for colonization, as the climate is on the hot and wet side in the lowlands, but it's mountains are mostly arid, dry peaks, and the atmosphere a bit thin for Earth-normal standards, but the Hashemite Kingdom purchased the rights to colonize the world in 2205, and the first colonists arrived in 2210. Huge Osmium deposits were found by the Canadian based Bard Ventures Company in 2215, and they brought in labor from the Af-Pak region of Earth to mine the mineral for use in FTL drives. A caste system soon developed, as the Af-Pak tribes whose labor was surplus were chased by the government into the highlands, with thin air and arid climes where not much grew or lived. The prosperous Hashemites and those lucky enough to find work lived in the lowlands, where it was easier to breathe, and it was possible to farm or mine the Osmium without special equipment and where water was far more plentiful.

This new found wealth and the associated caste system brought trouble as the Hashemites and Af-Pak workers didn't get along at all, and local conditions exacerbated long standing differences of culture and religious outlook. It wasn't long before things broke out into open warfare, first taking on the form of an ever escalating insurgency on the part of the Af-Paks. The mines were abandoned by Bard Venture six years later as the political situation became unstable and open civil war soon followed. The local emir was deposed by a radical Hashemite Caliph who declared jihad on the Af-Pak "Pushtun heretics" and four years of bloody, confused conflict followed.

In 2225, the price of Osmium went up three fold and many nations and companies were returning to older strikes to see if they could get something out of them in the newer high priced climate. The French mining concern Eramet-SLN saw the data that had been collected by the fly by probe in 2165, and the reports by Bard Venture, and convinced the French government to send troops to pacify the situation on Djaszlah. Within two weeks, a Demi-Brigade of the FFL was landing in the three major cities on world and meeting ineffective resistance from the tired, weak combatants, mostly made up of rival Hashemite factions. The surviving Af-Pak tribes had retreated into the uplands and mountains to the north of the main continent and were getting money for weapons and equipment from the sale of Osmium to black market traders and quasi-pirates.

The French backed the Caliph, and brought in their own workers to run the mines, propping up the Caliph and his army to keep the mines and starports safe. They also cracked down on the illicit Osmium trade. But soon, a prophet arose amongst the Af-Pak tribes of the upper highlands...and he proposed the way of Sahad. A cleansing of the unbeliever....Another call came from the son of the dead Emir, calling the Caliph a "French puppet" and the Af-Paks "religious zelots". Interesting times had arrived on Djazlah.

Our First DC Gamer meeting

2010-02-28T19:18:00.006-05:00

Attendance was good, with three out of our six members being in attendance, myself, Jage, and an old friend of mine, Chris Hyland. I decided to run Fistful of TOWs because I had a lot less painted 6mm than I thought I'd had (With the exception of Battletech 'Mechs). So, onward and upward!

The game was a British Armor Battalion with elements of another one, plus some scratch Brit and German forces against a Soviet Regiment of T-64 and BTR-70, I had a shot up Polish Regiment backing them up (T-72 and BMP-1). Well, I led off with the T-64s on the right, and the Brits opened up at long range. Forced a platoon to run. I returned fire with AT-8 (Only thing that would scratch the paint on a Challenger), didn't even manage that...then the slaughter really began. In the next turn, the T-64 Battalion evaporated under 120mm fire. So, I brought in the Polish T-72s....they didn't even last that long. So, I tried to get the Infantry forward under cover of the hills...no dice, the Brits hung back, and shelled the Soviet infantry into submission. That battalion broke, then the regiment failed it's quality check, at that point, the Polish battalion wasn't going to go forward alone, so it was game over. Only Brit casualties was some Challengers forced off with 120mm Mortar fire. My one airstrike bombed the wrong target.

There was some thought about modifying the scenario, reducing the brits, which I think would have worked, or starting them further back, also a good suggestion, both from Jage, incidentally. I think I probably also should have had more Soviets. Probably two full regiments, or perhaps three. FFT eats battalions, especially Soviet ones like popcorn. Then again, that's not totally unrealistic.

Sadly, I forgot a camera. Do'h! Next time, I will remember!

Something I posted on TMP, but I'd love to develop this further

2010-02-24T23:46:00.006-05:00

Well,
It's a new year, and I thought it might be time for us to voice things we'd like to see in the future with various miniatures lines and from specific manufacturers to supplement existing lines? These opinions are mine alone, but I'd like to hear from others…hey, it's why we discuss things on this board, right?

So, without further ado:

Ground Zero Games Specific items:

Tracked and Hover Alien vehicles (Something for our Alien Mercs and or other Alien races?)

More FCT poses (maybe a leader and commo pack?)

More SF Egyptian poses (I know we discussed this, but they need a Leader/HW pack.)

Hammers Slammmers (More poses, perhaps a kneeling/prone pack, some grenade launchers, and maybe some more leader types with SMG/Rifles and a tribarrel ground mount with crew?)

UNSC Hardsuits (Some kneeling and prone figures, snipers and more leader types)

FSE (Some HW (Man portable Plasma gunners and Tac Missile Teams), a leader and commo pack, and maybe snipers in both Kepi and helmet)

Militia (Mounted figures on horseback ala the 25mm line, as well as some "grizzled vets" types wearing elements of their old kit?)

Grav versions of your warbot line? (Not the MAWP, but the newer smaller bots)

NAC types in softer inertial armor ala 2300. Perhaps some could wear a mix of patrol caps and berets?

Khurasan Specific Items:

Felids (More specialist types, perhaps some sappers, a SAW gunner and a commo type?)

Critical Mass Games Specific Items:

ARC Fleet Recon (SAW Gunner Pack, I know they're supposed to be Gauss Rifles, but SAWs can carry more ammo and a bigger battery?) (Tick one on that list, the SAWs are underway and will be out this year. Posted to TMP thread 1/15)

Rebel Miniatures Specific Items:

Sahadeen Mortar/MRL teams? (Cheap arty for guerrillas), and sappers with satchel charges, limpet mines, thermobaric LAWs and flamethrowers?

EF Light Recon types? (Fatigues, floppy hats, Night Vision, heavy packs, lots of commo gear with SATCOM uplink setup, tricked out rifles and some snipers? Perhaps some with active camo cloaks?

EF downed dropship crew or POWs?

Sci fi versions of your contractors? Incorporating some elements of what you'd see in the Traveller Mercenary book.

Sahadeen HVT pack (Charismatic leader and his bodyguards?)

Other Ideas:

Some PA with "non-Western" (ala John Ford, not geographical) themes. I am thinking a mix of cast off BDUs, rags and cloaks? Maybe even some in the remains of NBC gear?

Sci Fi media crew?

Now that's what I'm talking about!

2010-02-24T16:51:00.008-05:00

Ok, say it with me folks, we've been begging for terrain in the 15mm sci-fi world for years. GZG was amongst the first to work on this, and their latest efforts have been great...but my jaw dropped with what's coming out of Painted Terrain.com

It's styrene, so it'll be lightweight, and from the general "put together out of bailing wire and scrap metal" look, one can modify it with styrene, cardboard, and green stuff to one's hearts content!

Well done guys!

The Zombies...their moans...they call to me!

2010-02-24T14:34:00.002-05:00

MUST RESIST NEW PERIOD!!

Ah hell, who the f&*k am I kidding? I already have civilians and troops to fight the zombies...a few more civies, some appros vehicles and AWAY we go.

Heck, if I do it in 15mm, most of my work's already done!

Osprey is already coming out with a book. So, this will ease my "research". And heck most I might need is more pickup trucks, and Zombies of course...

The Slammers are coming

2010-02-22T22:25:00.003-05:00

The first of my miniature "meanest bastards who ever wrecked a planet for pay!"

Met some fellows from TMP...and I can finally put names and faces to them!

2010-02-19T13:56:00.003-05:00

Went downtown last night (what am I saying, I LIVE THERE...it's a running theme), where I met Jovian1 and Gallowglas from TMP and we ate at Fuddruckers (No jokes about the name please). We had planned on Chinese...but due to my startling lack of a sense of direction..I got us lost. Oh yeah, I can just imagine what would happened with a map and a compass....

We had a good discussion, some of which I won't relate...as it's not my place to, but the parts about GG's views on gaming realism, or lack thereof (he clearly lies in the "at the end of the day, it's a freaking game" school, as do I), were especially illuminating. Too often, I think we're wrapped up in the crunchy bits or nits of the hobby and we just don't think hard enough about the fact that our entertainment happens to be derived from somebody's moment of sheer terror. I'm not having a change of heart about the hobby, far from it, but I feel by doing the prep work right...any fun that is had in a modern or WWII game, can be, if done with reverence for the subject matter, a sort of memorial to those that did the actual deed. Research is your friend in this hobby, and though many historians disagree with me, I find eyewitnesses are a useful part of that. Thanks for reminding me, Gallowglas. And Jovian1 and Gallowglas pointed out a few truths that are of use to anyone thinking of running "cops and robbers" games.

In other news, I am discovering the joys of Kneadite. And are they many...Damn why didn't I buy this sooner! This stuff rocks...I'm just learning it's uses...and who knows...I really would like to learn how to sculpt. Maybe I'll just sculpt those long sought after 20mm Philippine Army folks for Baatan myself. I may not get them any other way...So, if you have any places I can learn the ways of the Kneadite Force, as it were, point them out so I can learn them and get better.

Mark the Date! Feb 27th!

2010-02-16T09:55:00.002-05:00

Hi all,
The DC Gaming Group is proud to announce it's first meeting! Feb 27th at 1:30 PM at the Pallisades Neighborhood Library in Northwest DC. This may not be a permanent solution due to time constraints and such, and I am looking into other options, stay tuned on that.

We'll be playing some Dirtside II 6mm stuff to kinda get to know each other and get our feet wet. So come on by, it will be the Small PAL meeting room.

New DC area Miniatures Group forming

2010-02-13T23:28:00.002-05:00

Hi all,
I and a few like minded folks are forming a group to handle the gaming needs of folks who aren't up to making the drive out to either Fort Belvoir for Eagle and Empire or Game Parlor Chantilly for NOVAG nights. We're talking about the Palisades Neighborhood Library in NW as a place to meet. It's looking good for our purposes. And what do we need now? Members! So, if you live in Falls Church, Kensington, Northwest, Silver Spring, Wheaton and other places close in to DC that I haven't mentioned, come on in. We'll have a date decided soon! So, join the group here:

DC Gaming Group Page

The KAFERS ARE HERE!

2010-02-13T11:19:00.004-05:00

I wrote rules for them for Ambush Alley and Force on Force...and they're free from the Yahoo group...get them while they're hot!

Get them here

A lot's happening these days

2010-02-12T15:33:00.010-05:00

Seems the 15mm TFL post had quite the effect of drumming up folks to play with..I guess "if you paint it, they will come" really does work! I am currently working on my USCMC force courtesy of QRF as well as my Hammers Slammers. I have to find suitable vehicles for the Marines. I think these ought to do nicely:

I am also working up what my Zhodani are going to look like, probably going with the New Israelis with the Advanced Gravs for that, and then the Aslan are going to be a mix of the RAFM figures, and the Felids from Khurasan.Probably go the same route with the Vargr.

As for John Connor's resistance army, I am going to get some Toyota pick up trucks from Peter Pig and mock them up with some plasticard armor. Then it's wait for Khurasan to release the Sepulvedan Resistance guys they're promising. I really can't wait for those or when AAG releases Tomorrow's War.

If we thought 2009 rocked for 15mm Sci Fi...Wait till 2010 is through.

..and a late addition to my Terminator army

2010-02-07T13:39:00.003-05:00

Some infiltrators to give the humans some more headaches! Now to put together that Mantis I bought from GZG for a Aerial HK!

The Tanstaafl Free Legion-Welcome to Aurore!

2010-02-07T12:48:00.006-05:00

Aurore, Tanstaafl Colony, 20th January, 2302.

2nd Lieutenant Hans Schrager looked on in some measure of impatience. He wanted to get on with the latest patrol of Aurore’s Hotback. It had been 5 days since Admrial Borodin and his fleet defending Aurore had smashed the latest attempt by the Kafers to take the colony. He’d let them gain orbital superiority, even begin landing ops, then caught them in a very nasty englobement. Not a single Kafer ship had gotten away, though, true to the nature of the aliens, none had tried.

What had complicated things was that not all the landers had been caught, and a number of Kafer lifepods had made planetfall. Any Kafer who had made planetfall was dangerous. Kafers were hermaphrodites. They could reproduce easily and a three year old Kafer was an adult. And they had a nasty habit of being able to use anything from sharpened sticks to captured human firearms once they “got smart”.

Tanstaafl was an independent colony. It didn’t have a Terran government back home to support it. It had been fighting the Kafers on its own, with only its militia and mercenary “Free Legion” to keep the Kafers away since 2298. This was slowly changing. Rumors were that American Marines and Texan Rifles would be arriving any day now. Schrager hoped so, his men and equipment were worn out. His “Ramrod” platoon was being called out after an all too short rest and refit cycle to do a 250-kilometer sweep of the Hotback where radar in Tanstaafl City had detected some Kafer landers go down. Recon flights were too risky, as the area was too thick with Kafer “Snapfire” remote SAMs.

Schrager walked the line of his troops, stopping here and there to make sure a trooper had secured extra ammo or water. The Hotback gave new meaning to the words “desolate” and “barren”. They were a far cry from the lads he’d led against the frogs at the Somme ten years before as an Oberfeldwebel in a proud Bavarian regiment. Post-war reunification politics had done him in. He was a Bavarian, and that was all that mattered. After knocking about as a hired gun and bodyguard up and down the French Arm, he’d found a new war on Aurore. And he’d done well, he’d taken a Texan wife and was expecting his first child any day now, which made this deployment all the more galling.

To make matters worse, the TFL’s fame in taking on the Kafers had attracted an influx of recruits. The colony’s leaders, as well as the TFL had been able to be picky. The good news was that all the men and women who had come, they were willing to fight. After that, the headaches had compounded. Schrager, thankfully, was blessed with several quality NCOs and his vehicle crews had been with him since he’d arrived two years ago as a Corporal. Promotion came fast in the TFL, all you had to do was two things..survive and prove your competence. Neither came easily. If the Kafers didn’t kill you. Aurore just might. Oddly, Schrager wouldn’t have it any other way. He smiled grimly at that thought.

His helmet headset crackled and the singsong voice of his platoon sergeant came over the platoon push. Sergeant Major Lien’s voice chimed like fine porcelain over the tinny speakers, her Manchu accent in full force. Her German and Texas accented English was fluent, but she had never lost the Manchu accent.

“Boss, Company wants us out there already. Captain Gross wants that sweep yesterday, that and we have to go check on a downed relay near Distant Thunder.”

Schrager shook his head. Such things could be nothing more than mechanical problems, or, they could be Kafers. Either way. Ramrod 131 would go check it out, and deal with it if there was something the militia couldn’t.

Time to get on with it..”Ok, Lien, mount the kids up and let’s get this done.” As he responded to Lien, the old Kangaroo IV APCs spooled up their MHD turbines with whines of protesting metal and sputtering fans. The old machines were past their prime, battered and pockmarked by stray rounds and splashes from spent plasma bolts. But, they’d done well for their second war. But he’d seen what happened when the Kafers had caught one straight on. It wasn’t an accident that APCs were called “coffins” in TFL slang.

Schrager shouldered his AS-89 and sighed again in resignation. What would happen, would happen. He was a soldier, and this was his world now. Time to go do what they paid him to do, thus, another day on Aurore began as Murphid cast it’s blood red glare over the open plain as Ramrod 131 departed in a flurry of dust and the whine of turbines.

How to for TFL Infantry

2010-02-01T14:51:00.003-05:00

It's pretty simple as paintjobs go.

1. Prime Black

2. Using a mix of Vallejo Pastel Green (885) and American Uniform (922), paint the exposed uniform parts, I did a American Uniform base, then a wash of Pastel Green.

3. Paint the Helmet, webgear, pouches, vest, shoulder armor, knee and elbow pads American Uniform

4. Do a dot camo with a 15/0 or a 20/0 brush (this is the eye straining part) on the Helmet, vest, and shoulder armor pads with Flat Brown (984) and German Camo Dark Green (979).

5. Paint face and hands with Dark Flesh (984) and then hit it with Privateer Flesh Wash.

6. Paint the Rifles/SAWs Dark Gray (994)

7. Flock the base and seal.

Almost forgot to mention

2010-02-01T14:20:00.005-05:00

Got my new Grav Tanks from Top Gun Marketing They're as nice as advertised and the trickiest part was the magnet installation, but it wasn't as bad as I thought it would be. I'll have a detailed review later, but for now...you might want to check out the news they'll be having a painting contest!

Did I have a productive weekend!

2010-01-31T20:39:00.009-05:00

I got a lot done on the 15mm front this weekend, the TFL are almost done. I think we will see pics next weekend as all I need to do is flock the figures, decal the vehicles and seal the lot, and then, we have a completed TFL force. I am really enjoying seeing these figures come together. The Wombats from GZG are a simple pleasure to paint and they complement the infantry well.

Right now, the figures are based on pennies and I am doing the wet Liquitex, then sand over the figures. It's not meant to be complicated and since most of Aurore is desert, that base seems to work. I wish someone made blue-green clump foliage. It would complement the sand well, but c'est'la vie.

In any case, stay tuned for a really neat looking army.

Also printed out my copy of Ambush Valley. I'm torn about doing Vietnam...I'd probably do it in 20mm and I gave it a run in HS, but it never seemed to get off the ground. I have the figures for the US troops as I was intending on using them for 2nd line types for Twilight 2000. However, the boat rules are darn useful...and the "improved guerrillas" rules...they're perfect for insurgent armies like the VC who were pretty hardly little fellows. I'm thinking certain sci-fi projects would benefit...like the Sahadeen perhaps?

WIP TFL 15mm Sci-Fi

2010-01-24T17:33:00.004-05:00

Well,
I'm not QUITE done, but I have made some real progress. I am working on as you all know, a Ramrod Platoon of the Tanstaffl Free Legion.

The original color plate from the Aurore Sourcebook, included for comparison purposes only and not intended as a copyright challenge.

A Roo analogue, it's a Wombat II from Ground Zero Games 15mm Line...the resemblance is uncanny.

Figures are by Force XXI Miniatures, they're not bad and look good beside miniatures from other lines.

The methods to paint were simple, a method I found in the tutorial section of the Guild Wargamers website.

Comments?

Not much going on, but expect more soon!

2010-01-22T12:49:00.004-05:00

Well, due to the fact I need new spectacles (and am getting them Tuesday), my painting schedule has taken a bit of a hiatus. But, I have made some forward progress on the 15mm Tanstaffl Free Legion I've been working on in 15mm, and I am rather happy with the lads, as soon as that's done, I plan on working on some other armies, probably some USCM types for Aliens...now if only somebody could tell me where I can get a decent 15mm analogue for the M577 APC? I'd be happy.

On the CBT front, I need to do finishing touches on the last of my 4th Donegal Guards company, then finish up a ELH company, and then? I dunno, there's a couple of lance and single sized units I'd like to build up, but for some reason, working on a generic Marik Company also sounds appealing. I think I have some interesting stuff to fill that out with.

Not much going on in 20mm right now, I barely have enough time to paint as it is...but I think things will improve shortly.

I also expect to post some reviews of some product I've managed to procure recently from Rebel, Top Gun and QRF.

A note to all who have supported this blog and my endeavors...THANKS!

Wow, I guess we can call this a sucess!

2010-01-08T07:20:00.000-05:00

More from Jon from yesterday!

OK, many thanks to all who have applied so far, can I please ask you now to STOP sending further applications until I have the chance to sort through the ones we have received already?!
We've had a positive deluge of replies in less than 24 hours, and I think that I've now got more than enough to choose from for the first round of this project. I'm going to whittle it down to a shortlist (partly by style/quality and partly by the BF you have asked for, so if you've chosen one of the less popular ones then you may have a better chance!) and then choose the final ones by random draw.
Thanks again to EVERYONE who has applied, there are too many of you for me to reply individually to all your emails but I'll let you know within a few days if you have been successful. The sets will go out to the successful applicants sometime in the next couple of weeks, I hope, once we are completely caught up after the holiday break (paid-for orders must come first!).
I will update everyone on the project soon.
Best,

Jon (GZG)

One of the coolest Sci-Fi deals EVER!

2010-01-07T13:35:00.001-05:00

From Jon at GZG!

Hi all, hope 2010 is being good to you so far!

I want to put to you all an idea that came about from a conversation I had this morning with Paul Owen (our esteemed Web admin); we were discussing the fact that while we are now trying to ensure we get photos for the webstore of all the individual new codes we release, we have none showing the special pack deals that we offer.
We'd like to have some good quality pics that really show off the pack deals to best advantage, and there is simply no way I will ever get round to having the time to do this myself - so we're asking if some of you would like to do it.

Most of you are probably familiar with the BATTLEFORCE deals we offer on the 15mm Stargrunt range figures and vehicles - you get a good core force to start your army; the exact composition depends on the pack you choose, but in general you get a combined arms group consisting of a section or platoon of armour, a platoon of mechanised infantry plus (where applicable) a mix of support, recon, command elements etc., with various accessories and extras thrown in as well - over £75.00 worth of minis for a deal price of £60.00.

Now, we want to give some of these BF deal packs away FREE (we'll even send it to you post free)!

The catch is, in return for one of these FREE packs we want you to commit to ASSEMBLING AND PAINTING the minis in a reasonably short timeframe, and sending us some decent photos of them which we can use to illustrate the pack contents on our webstore, in adverts and so on.

Obviously, you get to keep all the minis - all we want are the pictures. You'll be putting in a good few hours of your hobby time, but in return you'll have a finished army that you can use at no financial outlay - so everybody wins! ;-)

We WOULD ask to see a pic or two of previous stuff that you've painted (it doesn't have to be anything of ours, just something to show your style) when you apply, but please don't be put off if you don't think your work is of the highest standard. We are not asking for prizewinning painting levels, though obviously we do want the results to look competent and attractive. Even simple paint jobs (sprayed basecoat and some washing/drybrushing) can look fine, and in many ways these actually show the lines of the minis better than things like complex camo patterns. What we need is a few of you who are prepared to commit the time and effort to actually getting the job done, so please don't respond if you don't have both the enthusiasm and the free time available in the near future.

Just as a final incentive, while I've said that we don't need an incredibly high standard, we WILL give something extra as a PRIZE for the most attractive finished force after we get them all in!

Quantity-wise, we're talking about in the region of ten to a dozen vehicles and forty to fifty infantry figures (which may be single or fireteam-based to your choice) in each BF deal, exact numbers depending on which pack it is.

So, IF you can fulfill all of the following.......

1) you can commit to building, painting and photographing a force of that size in a reasonably fast timeframe (we're looking at ideally around 4 to 6 weeks from you receiving the parcel from us).

2) you have a reasonable standard of painting and modelling skill - sufficient to make the minis look attractive at tabletop viewing distance, we don't need exhibition standard but we don't want splodgy messes either!

3) you have (or have access to) the facilities and equipment to take a number of qood quality, well lit, in-focus shots of the finished minis, in groups and singly, and send the results to us by email.

4) you'd like about £75 worth of completely FREE minis in return for some time and effort....

...then please drop me a line directly, to . Please attach at least one pic of an example of your painting, and please let me know which one(s) of the following forces you would be most interested in doing:

TRACKED force
HOVER (GEV) force
WALKER force
EARLY GRAV force
HI-TECH GRAV force
HI-MOBILITY WHEELED force
KRA'VAK grav vehicle force
8-WHEELER force*
AIRMOBILE (VTOL) force*
ADVANCED GRAV force*

(* these are ones where we haven't yet sorted out BF deals on them, but I want to gauge interest in doing them....).

We will need to get ONE of each force type done, so if you want to give us several options in order of preference then that would make things easier rather than everybody wanting to do one type!
Please note that the INFANTRY nationality supplied with each force will be to OUR choice, because we want to depict a good spread of options, but if you have any particular likes/dislike feel free to mention them and we'll try to take that into account.

IMPORTANT: by replying to this request, you are merely expressing interest - you are NOT actually committing yourself (or us) to anything at this stage - we won't send anything out to anybody until we've confirmed and agreed everything by email. However, by responding you do affirm that you are able to fulfill the criteria mentioned above. Obviously we do reserve the right to make all decisions about which offers we accept and reject.

I'm posting this here on the GZG list first, but will probably follow it up with postings to places like TMP, SFSFW, Dropship Horizon and so on - but all you listers are getting to see it first - so over to you.....

Jon (GZG)

PS: IF we get enough response to this and it actually works out OK, then we might consider extending it to cover the Fleet Deals of FT ships too...... ;-)