I'm home.

Well there ends a tough six months. I think it's time to kick back for a couple of weeks and make some inroads into my VCBW campaign.

Plan:
1. Reorg the man cave.
2. Recall the troops and reinforce deficiencies.
3. Play a game.
4. Restart the campaign.

So what did I learn on my little sojourn.

I think the Amish lads summed it up well.

Catch up to you all soon.

Rob.

Callsign - PLAYTIME

Totally pissed off this month. My co-trainer has gone off sick leaving me with the course to finish off. The complete inability of the management team to understand what is going on, the failure to succession plan and the complete lack of resilience in the training dept. All means that I'm doing two jobs! I've put my cards in and should finish this week. However, as a result of the aforementioned my leave has been cancelled so I have to stay on for another three weeks. Hey but don't worry, the Inspector is coming back from his leave on Monday and the Sergeant goes off on leave Monday! Subsequently, my hobby time has ground to a halt. Rant over.

One thing I do like about the World Aflame rule set is the limited ammunition rule. This has added another dimension to my games. As troops need to be supplied I thought the XXth Legion needed a transport section. So I started one. (Excuse the quality, I'm having a bad time.)

A bag of assorted wheels, the remains of WW1 Airfix gun limber, some balsa and a couple of toothpicks. They need tarting up and painting. When I get time.

Callsign - PLAYTIME.

I fancy a dabble at the latest scenario http://panzerkaput.blogspot.co.uk/2015/07/other-partizan-and-trouble-in-frisby-on.html . Note to self, find time!

Sorry about the rant I had to get it off my chest.

Enjoy your summer (or winter depending on where you are!)

Thanks for listening and popping by.

Rob

Shelldrake.

Needed some Arty support for the XXth Legion. So here's W battery. I hope that I have time for them to see action soon.

I'm going to convert something as a tractor for them, so it's off to the model shop for a sheet of plasticard.

I also have a design for the limber and crew, although a couple hae lost their heads to other conversions.

Anyway, onwards and upwards.

Thanks for stopping by and enjoy the sunshine.

Rob.

STONKING! More; lazy, cheap, easy: shelling

Well I've had a couple of days off and managed to do all sorts of bits. Why on earth I took up a full time job when I retired I will never understand! Hindsight is always 20/20.

Reacquainted myself with a good book.

Well worth the read if you haven't before. However it takes a bit of prior military knowledge and can get a bit complex and confusing at times. It's worth the read and I fancy doing a similar account for a VCBW conflict.

Did some cellar work in my club.

Celebrated the youngest heir's 12th Birthday.

And managed to make some battlefield markers for 'shot and shell.'

There are plenty of 'how to's' on the web. But here's my photos anyway.

The kit you'll need. Cotton wool balls, pipe cleaners and glue.

Half way through

Finished and undercoated in grey primer

Bit of a close up

Once they're dry, I'll tart them up with some black spray and flick some brighter reds & yellows.

Back at it tomorrow, with luck more VBCW goodness at the weekend.

 Take care out there.

Rob.

Lazy, cheap, easy tracks.

Well another tough week. Wanted to some gaming or some modelling and couldn't get around to it. The training job is getting less training and more battling with the management and pastoral. Why do adults pass on their problems and not take responsibility for themselves? My alternate skills as a cellar man have been in demand as my club's manager packed in expectantly leaving us in the lurch. So it's all hands to the pumps (quite literally).

Anyway to relax I thought I'd lay some roads. So here they are.

The stuff you'll need.

Sticky back floor tiles and sandpaper sheets. All from the pound shop.

Peel off the backing and stick down the sandpaper sheets.

Cut to size and shape.

I rubbed some ruts with an off cut of sandpaper but it didn't photo well.
Maybe a bit of wash would help.

  Viola, cheap, quick, lazy and I've got my modelling fix for the week.

Have a good time out there. Thanks for popping by.

Rob.

38FEST2015: Battle on Fosse Way: A VBCW Batrep, AAR.

Well here is my Batrep for the 38FEST15. I used A World Aflame rules, which I found very playable and I particularly like the limited ammunition rules. Great game, great concept.

The Field of Play

No. 1 and 2 Platoons TAB along the Fosse Way 

"CONTACT!"
A platoon of Socialist Militia, plus the lead elements
of an AL Company.

"3 Platoon, right flanking to seize Brookfield Farm" 

"No. 1 Platoon. Enemy 100 yards, to your front, three rounds.
Rapid FIRE!"

The effect of withering, accurate fire!
Two sections wiped out.

The third section wins the race to Brookfield Farm

No. 2 section left flanks to secure Grange Farm, which has already been taken by 2 platoons of AL.

Havildar Baljit Kaal, attempts to pin down the militia with one section, whilst attempting
to flank  the farm with number two section.

SMG fire takes its toll on No. 1 section.

Suffering heavy casualties 3 platoon fall back.

No. 1 Platoon, engages in a fire fight with the platoons within Grange Farm.

The third AL platoon files into Brookfield Farm to support the Militia.

No. 3 platoon encounter Havildar Major Amarjot Singh Aulakh

Who inspires them to re-engage the far.
Preventing them from adding their support to the defenders of Grange Farm  

A vicious firefight, at Grange Farm, decimates  No 2 platoon.
Captain Matthew Rosewood bolsters their morale and leads the survivors
 to the safety of Bridge Farm. Securing it for the King.

Running out of ammo, the Militia's will is broken and they rout.

A fatal error!
 Spurred on by the retreat of 2 Plt LPR. No. 1 Platoon St.John's Company AL give chase.

Winning the firefight, No. 1 platoon, now led by the Company OC (Maj. Richard Beresford),
 assaults Grange Farm.

The platoon assaults  through the farmhouse, finishing off what is left of the defenders
and falls on the remaining AL platoon. Bayonets and butts are the order of the day.

Not realising that the defenders of Brookfield Farm are broken and cowering.
 The Havildar Major withdraws the platoon to the company position.

After securing the stolen jewels in Grange Farm  and with prisoners in tow
 Maj. Beresford withdraws the company to barracks.

'O' Group: 'B' Company 1st Paneer Rifles.

Major Richard BERESFORD finished the last of his tea, put the tin mug down and walked from his billet to the Company's Operations tent. As he entered the assembled hierarchy rose to their feet. 

"Gentlemen, gentlemen. Please be seated," he said, walking passed them.

They sat, shuffled about and settled down.

"Gentlemen. Orders." 

"INFORMATION:

Since the incident at the Tower of London. The Empire’s Crown Jewels are abroad in the Nation. Although it is believed there is no direct threat to their safety, by the thieves, it is imperative that they are found and returned to their rightful place prior to anything unforeseen happening.

Intelligence has suggested that a proportion of the treasure has been secreted in one of the farm houses off the Fosse Way.

Friendly Forces: In support: No. 3 Battery RHA. Dependent on comms.

Section 3 Royal Signals.  

Enemy Forces: Intelligence is weak here. It is believed that there are local Militia operating in platoon sized units, these are of variable quality and lightly armed. However, the operation is taking place in the TAOR of 3^rd Battalion Anglican league. This battalion is heavily engaged elsewhere. But there is always the potential to run into one of their patrols. These troops are well armed and motivated although poorly led.

INTENTION:

‘B’ Company will search these premises, secure the Crown Jewels and transfer them to Divisional care.

METHOD:

This is a four phase operation. Phase 1: The Advance; 2 Securing of Bridge Farm; 3 Search and secure; 4 Recovery.

Phase 1:

The company will advance along the FOSSE WAY.

1 Platoon: You will move past the farm houses and set up a defensive screen on FOSSE WAY, as well as the fields to the left and right.

2 Platoon: You will follow platoon one and secure Brookfield Farm.

3 Platoon: You will follow Platoon two and secure Grange Farm.

Captain Rosewood, when you are happy that both Grange and Brookfield Farms are secured. Phase one ends. This will be signified by one long blast on a whistle.

Phase two:

Captain Rosewood: You will signify the beginning of phase two by two short blasts on your whistle.

2 & 3 Platoons: You will create a defensive screen at the fence lines of your farms.

1 Platoon: You will fall back along the Fosse Way and secure Bridge Farm. Once secure, Havildar Bal, you will inform Capt. Rosewood of the fact.

Captain Rosewood: On receipt of this message Phase two ends.

Phase three:

Captain Rosewood: You will signify the beginning of phase three by three short boasts on your whistle.

All Platoons: Will protect and search their respective farms. When the Crown Jewels are returned to rightful custody. You will inform Captain Rosewood, who will inform the remainder of the company.

Phase four:

On receipt of this information custody the company will collapse back onto point x-ray. Order of March; Platoon: 1-2-3; enbus and return to barracks.

ADMINISTRATION

Advance to contact: This will be by company transport. The Company will debus at point x-ray and make their way to the start line on foot. OOM 1,2,3 platoons.

Recovery: A Company runner will contact all platoons who will fall back to point x-ray for recovery.

Ammunition: As per SOP.

Feeding: Breakfast this location. Havaldar-Major, sort out haversack rations for midday meal. Return for evening meal.

Timings: 06.15 First light, reveille: 06.30 Morning meal: 07.00 Enbus: 08.15; Debus: 09.00: TPSL.

INTERCOMMUNICATION

Company HQ at point X-ray.

Company and Platoon runners.

Sigs to splice into local net and attempt to connect with Arty. Location at point x-ray.

Questions?"