Tuesday, May 31, 2011

Zulu War Skirmish at Bert's Drift


This evening we tried out a set of rules I’ve cobbled together and been jokingly referring to as Ever Contemptible Victorious Little Black Powder Armies (of DOOM!). It’s basically a modified version of Ever Victorious Armies – with some ideas added from Contemptible Little Armies and Black Powder. (The “of DOOM” was added because John Burt said he would definitely play any rules with “of DOOM” in the title). It is pretty much the same rules I used for a couple Great War in East Africa games back in February (Rais on Tantoone Station and Retreat from Boongobe).

I think for simplicity’s sake I’ll just call them “modified Ever Victorious Armies” in the future…

I’ve been painting Zulu War figures and have been anxious to get them into action so came up with a simple skirmish scenario that could make use of pretty much ALL the Zulu war figures I’ve painted so far. John came over to play the game.

I need to get painting more Zulus…


Bert’s Drift, March 1879

SITUATION

After the debacle of the first invasion Lord Chelmsford is biding his time waiting for reinforcements to arrive so he can launch a second invasion into Zululand. In the meantime raids and patrols are being sent across the border to harass the Zulus and scout potential invasion routes.

A company of the 24th infantry is stationed at Bert’s Drift. A couple days ago a squadron of Mounted infantry crossed on an extended patrol – but as they return a force of Zulus is moving to block their retreat!

SCENARIO

The British mounted infantry start in the southeast corner of the table. The British infantry start within 12” of the ford. The Zulus will start in the tall grassy areas on the north end of the table.

The British must retire back across the river.

FORCES

The British

Major Bert C-in-C
1 company 24th Infantry (15) Breach Loading Rifle
1 Squadron Mounted Infantry (10) Breach Loading Carbine, Skirmishers

The Zulus

nBrtu kaMjon C-in-C
2 warbands Zulus Warriors (15 ea) Ferocious
2 units Zulu Skirmishers (10 ea) Rifled Musket, Skirmishers


THE GAME

Round One

John decided to play the British and I played the Zulus.

(Remember: click on the pictures for a bigger version)


The British Infantry Company defending the ford (and the camp beyond) – Zulus skulking in the distance….


British infantry deployed to face the Zulu horde!


The Zulus approach (this is the scene after the first turns movement – everyone rolling pretty average for movement…)


The mounted infantry making their way across the table in reasonably good time.


The first long range volley from the British had knocked three off of my unit (the turn before this).


BLAM! The second volley (at considerably shorter range) took down eight and caused two morale failures. No more forward movement for these chaps…


No worries… The second unit passed them right by and crashed into the British. Defensive fire as they charged in took down five Zulus – a completely average roll – and just enough to give the British 3:2 odds in the close combat. Of course the Zulus are ferocious which still gave the Zulus a net +1 advantage. I roll a five, John rolled a one…


Poof! The British infantry were wiped out!!

On the following turn the Mounted infantry were able to gallop past the scene of the massacre (being a smaller unit of skirmishing mounted infantry they wouldn’t have stood much chance against the Zulus)

Well… as that was all over in about twenty minutes or so we decided to set up again, switch sides and have another go of it….

Round Two


My gallant British infantry re-deployed to face the zulu onslaught…


My first turn roll for the mounted infantry’s movement… that’s how many inches they get to go that turn…

(That’s bad…)


John’s Zulus were a bit more anxious to get into combat and their first move into range brought them into short range.


BLAM! Half the unit disintegrates…


The remainded closed and fought a pretty pitched battle – I can’t remember how many exactly but I think we both lost a fair chunk.


The general scene after the first round of close combat. The mounted infantry still very far away and feeling somehat threatened by the advancing skirmishing Zulus with firearms…


On the following turn the second unit of Zulus closed and because of the previous turns close combat outcome I was unable to fire… The British were obliged to retire back across the river with only half their original number.…


The mounted infantry, waiting to see how things would turn out with the infantry and if they’d be able to make it across the river of if the drift would be plugged with hordes of angry Zulus, acrually stopped a turn and exchanged some fire with the skirmishing Zulus.


Just out of half range the mounted infantry caused negligible casualties against the skirmishing Zulus. The Zulus, however, caused a few casualties and a morale failure.


The following turn the Mounted infantry tried to scarper towards the drift, but the Zulus pursued the British infantry across the ford and all but wiped them out. It wasn’t a bad close combat outcome – but I rolled really poorly for my losses (six!) and only two remained and I failed two of the three morale tests I had to make and that was that…

Two games. Started after 8PM, done by 10PM. It was fun and quick playing – I think it could easily handle a great deal many more troops and not get too bogged down.

I’ll have to think the shooting ranges relative to the potential distance the troops can move. Right now the shooting seem a tad on the short side… but I woldn’t want it too much longer lest things be able to shoot clear across the table and negate any desire or ability to maneuver (except under cover…).

I’m keen to try this with bigger forces – guess I better get painting… and some artillery… and some real cavalry…

Coming soon on Tim’s Miniature Wargaming Blog:

More Zulus and British (and Martians) and ACTION!!

More Zulu War British


A couple more last minute additions for tonights game…

(Remember: click on the pictures for a bigger version)


More dead… I’m not really expecting I’ll need this many more… especially since I only have two units of British… but they were quick and easy and now they’re done. The figures are from Old Glory


I also decided to knock off a C-in-C for the British – good ol’ Lord Chelmsford! The figure is, I think, from Redoubt Enterprises (I got it in an ebay lot along with Durnford and Melville or Coghill…)

Coming soon on Tim’s Miniature Wargaming Blog:

Game Report and pics of John’s Descent minis I’ve finally got working on… Then some more Zulus and Martians and British…

Monday, May 30, 2011

Zulus and Legionnaires


I finished up a couple more Zulus to complete a second unit of 15 for a little game I’ll be playing tomorrow night….

(Remember: click on the pictures for a bigger version)


These are from Wargames Foundry .


I picked up a couple of the new “March or Die” Legionnaires from Artizan Designs and painted up these two… the rest of the unit will follow shortly…

Coming soon on Tim’s Miniature Wargaming Blog:
GAME REPORT! Followed by; Descent minis, More Zulus, British, Foreign Legionnaires, and Martians!

Saturday, May 28, 2011

For Those About to Die…


…We salute you!

A couple Female Gladiators for an upcoming Savage Worlds campaign. I’m waiting for a few more to arrive from Crusader Miniatures, but shortly after they do you’ll be able to follow the action over at Savage Timmy’s Playhouse.

(Remember: click on the pictures for a bigger version)


I picked these up off ebay in a mixed lot, but I’m pretty sure the one on the XXXX is from Wargames Foundry, and I think the one on the XXXXX was made by West Wind Productions… but I’m not 100% sure on that, as they don’t seem to make them anymore…


Another shot showing the detail of the other shield…

Coming soon on Tim’s Miniature Wargaming Blog:

Zulus… Descent minis… British… French Foreign Legionnaires…. (not necessarily in that order!?)

Friday, May 27, 2011

British Colonial Redcoat Figure Comparison


After the last post I thought perhaps I should do a couple more and include a couple of the other British Colonial Rdcoats I have...

(Remember: Click on the picture to see a larger version)


From left to right: Wargames Foundry, Black Tree Design, Wargames Factory, Minifigs, RAFM(Space:1889), Old Glory


From left to right: Minifigs, Wargames Foundry, Wargames Factory, Wargames Foundry, Black Tree Design, RAFM, Old Glory


From left to right: Minifigs, Wargames Foundry, Black Tree Design, Wargames Foundry, RAFM, Old Glory, Minifigs

Unfortunately the Wargames FActory figures are on those horrible plinth-like plastic bases which screws things up a bit... but you get the idea...

More Zulu War British


Despite the fact that I really need to be painting more ZULUS(!?)… here are a few more Brits…

(Remember: click on the pictures for a bigger version)


A couple of Infantrymen; The on one the right is from Old Glory (North Bay Games and Hobbies), the rest are from Wargames Foundry (ebay).


Here is a comparison shot of Black Tree Design, Wargames Foundry, and Old Glory. (From left to right: Wargames Foundry, Black Tree Design, Wargames Foundry, Old Glory, Black Tree Design, Wargames Foundry, Black Tree Design)


Casualties from Old Glory.

Coming soon on Tim’s Miniature Wargaming Blog:

I have a few gladiators on the workbench along with some Descent figures and… well… a lot of Zulu War stuff and (newly arrived today) some of the new ”march or die” Legionnaires from Artizan Designs.

Saturday, May 21, 2011

British Lancer


I painted up a sample lancer the other night. I got these (and a schwack of other Zulu war stuff) in exchange for painting the Hobgoblins. The rest will be finished up shortly.

(Remember: click on the pictures for a bigger version)


The figure is from Old Glory (ordered from North Bay Games and Hobbies)

They’re on the smallish end of 25/28mm (as you will see in the picture below) and suffer from the same mysterious piped pith helmets that the Black Tree Design British seem to be equipped with!? I dealt with them in the same manner and just shaved them all off. Other than that they seem okay and are very reasonably priced!


Here again is the Old Glory lancer pictured with The Black Tree Design dragoons/Mounted infantry I painted earlier

Another load of Zulu war figures arrived in the post yesterday (more ebay winnin's)... best get painting

Coming soon on Tim’s Miniature Wargaming Blog:

Zulus… Martians… or most likely British Lancers…!?

Thursday, May 19, 2011

Last of the Hobgoblins


And here, finally, are the last of the hobgoblins…

(Remember: click on the pictures for a bigger version)


These are, as the other, make by Otherworld Miniatures.


The whole collection.


A couple others I’ve been working on. From left to right they are from Gripping Beast, two from Old Glory, and Wargames Foundry.


Here’s a detail shot of the Pict’s cloak.

Coming soon on Tim’s Miniature Wargaming Blog:

On to some Martians or British or Zulus or some such thing…

Tuesday, May 17, 2011

More Hobgoblins


Another late night… another batch of hobgoblins…

(Remember: click on the pictures for a bigger version)


Four more of the Otherworld Miniatures Hobgoblins. I should finish up the last lot tonight or tomorrow…

Coming soon on Tim’s Miniature Wargaming Blog:

Last of the Hobgoblins, then on to Martians, British, Zulus, and… um… Imperial Stormtroopers…?

Monday, May 16, 2011

Jedi, Jawas, and Hobgoblins


(Remember: click on the pictures for a bigger version)


Four more of the Otherworld Miniatures Hobgoblins – which makes me officially half done… well… a little more than half done as the “not done” half are, themselves, about half done… so…


A few more of the old Grenadier/West End Games Star Wars figures.

Coming soon on Tim’s Miniature Wargaming Blog:

Hobgoblins, Martians, British, Zulus, and Imperial Stormtroopers.

Sunday, May 15, 2011

Martians, Hobgoblins, Russians, Machine-gun Jocks…


Busy days… I was up waaaay too late Friday night (Saturday morning…) and had a good chunk of the rest of the day Saturday to work on things as well. So I managed to finish up a number of things that had been haunting the workbench… and a few things that I’m not entirely sure how I got to doing… but got them done, nonetheless…

(Remember: click on the pictures for a bigger version)


These Hobgoblins are from Otherworld Miniatures.


Six dead or dying Bolsheviks and a Tsarist cavalry officer (presumably responsible for the state of said Bolsheviks). Four of the dead and dying Bolshies are from Battle Honors… or maybe Old Glory…? I can’t remember which now… The other dead Bolshies are actually western gun-fight figures in “dusters” that I painted to look like Bolshevik greatcoats. I got them in a trade and have no idea who manufactured them. The Tsarist Currassier is actually also a “western gunfight” figure from Crusader Miniatures old west line – the pack was, I believe, called “the Foreigners”… or something like that… It included my favourite gunslinging Scotsman!


Oenotrian artillery – Crew are from RAFM and the gun is from… Huston…? (another ebay purchase… not really sure)


A pair of Martian scout/guides – also from RAFM. Experimenting with Martian skin colour again..


Finally a Jock MG team for some Great War or Very British Civil War action. The figures are from Renegade Miniatures.

Coming soon on Tim’s Miniature Wargaming Blog:

Should have another batch of hobgoblins finished up tonight and posted tomorrow. Hopefully have those all finished off by the end of the week! Then it’s on to Zulus… or Zulu war British… or Martians…

Friday, May 13, 2011

Martian Colonial and More Star Wars Stuff

Still sick… I just can’t get rid of this cough…!? I've been slowly plugging away on the Hobgoblins and finished up a handful of others:

(Remember: click on the pictures for a bigger version)


These are old Star Wars®™ Figures from Grenadier Models.

The boy is all about the Star Wars all of a sudden… so I’m trying to get a few of these done up to start playing some skirmishes with him.


A sample British Martial Colonial in khaki. The figure is from RAFM. I'll probably finish up the rest of this chap's unit and then get on to some Oenotrians. I'd like to get a few more units of these martian Colonials - at least one more to paint in British Khaki, but I'd also like to paint one up in Blue for the Belgians... maybe a Gemran or French Martian Legion...?

Coming soon on Tim’s Miniature Wargaming Blog:

Hobgoblins, Martians, Star Wars, Zulus, British colonials, etc… all sorts of good stuff on the workbench.

Next week is madness – four recitals/performancers and corresponding additional dress rehearsals – in addition to the usual madness. I’m hoping the following week I’ll get some gen-u-ine gaming in. Anyone up for the Ever Contemptible Victorious Little Black Powder Armies (of DOOM)!?

Saturday, May 7, 2011

2nd Battalion Queen’s Own Martian Rifles (the Parhoon Rifles)


Another late night of utter distraction… I have completed the unit of Parhoon Rifles I’ve been working on (distracted by).

(I went with the red skin…)

(Remember: click on the pictures for a bigger version)


The Martians are all from RAFM, their British officer is from Black Tree Design.

Coming soon on Tim’s Miniature Wargaming Blog:

Hobgoblins.

Friday, May 6, 2011

Hobgoblinz

The first of the Hobgoblinses from Mikey K….

(Remember: click on the pictures for a bigger version)


This figure is from Otherworld Miniatures. They’re really damn nice.

Coming soon on Tim’s Miniature Wargaming Blog:

More Hobgoblins and Martians.

Parhoon Rifles


While working on the Hobgoblins last night I quickly did up four of the Parhoon Rifles to try and figure out what colour to do their skin. I was never really taken with the idea of yellow skin on Martians (as the Martians in Space: 1889 supposedly have).

(Remember: click on the pictures for a bigger version)

I’ve done some Martians with red skin:



(Sort of John Carter-esque Martians – less the radium rifles)

I’ve also done my High Martians with orange skin:


I’m not married to the idea of red or orange. Indeed I’m okay with Martians having different skin tones (Earthlings do!?). These new Figures I’ve done up with a selection of skin tones. But I do want the units I’m working on now to be consistent. As they would all be recruited from the same region they’d most likely have a similar skin colour (so the ones below will need to be redone). I wasn’t sure about red or orange for the Canal Martian colonials. I was especially concerned the Parhoon Rifles in their green uniforms might look a little too… “Christmassy”? …with the red skin!


These are Space: 1889 Colonial Martian troops from RAFM.

last night I was thinking I actually didn’t mind that particular yellow I used… Now I'm kind of leaning towards the red or lightened orange.. The darker orange and red are the same as I used for the other Martians and the lighter orange is a mix of the darker orange and a slightly brighter yellow and a touch of pasty-white-earthling flesh tone.

I don’t know… anyone out there have any strong feelings one way or the other…?

Coming soon on Tim’s Miniature Wargaming Blog:

More Martians and Hobgoblins