Painting update

Well I made a bit of an effort to try and clear some unfinished figures from the painting desk. I didn't get them all done, but did make a bit of a dent. So first up is a T-26 tank for my Spanish Civil Ward collection, this was a 3d printed model from paint and glue miniatures. I have left off markings so that it can be used for both sides, it can also see service with my ww2 Russians.

Next up was a resin model for a well, I can't remember where I picked this up from. A nice enough model and quite generic to cover a variety of periods.

Last up, taking inspiration from our recent game, I completed a sprue of Fidwog Quar including their tractor. I also re-painted 3d printed vehicles for the Crusaders. I was never happy with the original paint job. I think the new colour suits the Crusaders better.

With these done, I want to make a start on the figures from the Heroquest game before going back to the Punic Wars and some more Quar.

SCW Carlists

It seems like an age since I painted anything. I put that down to these figures. 4 Carlists for the Spanish Civil War.  They are from Templar miniatures and they were not a joy to paint. I have other of their figures and they were fine, admittedly painted many years ago. I think they just don't compare to more modern figures from companies like Empress.

Still they are done and they provide my Carlists with an LMG team which is sadly missing from the Empress range.

I now need to convince the other half to allow me to move my painting station into the conservatory. Its too dark, cold and damp at this time of year to paint in the shed.

A mixed bag

Once more a bit of a mixed bag as I clear some half finished models off of the painting table. First up is 2 commanders for my 10mm army. These were much nicer to paint compared to the strips of figures.

Next up was a 3d printed donated by one of the club as he tried out his new printer. It is a Constuctora armoured car. More than useful on the gaming table and not vad gor a free model.

Lastly I made a start on some Bolsheviks for some Back of Beyond gaming. The infantry are all from Copplestone miniatures. The HMG team is from Blacktree. It is meant for WW2 NKVD, but a little filing of the hats and they fit right in.

I do need to source some flags for the Russian Civil War. I've also got another 8 of these on the basing table. Not a bad start and will nearly have enough to take on the British.

A few more SCW figures

After a couple of recent games I found myself inspired to try and finish off the last few figures I have for the collection. First up was another mortar for my Republicans, the randomness of these adds a bit of tension to the games.

The last few models were an extra pair of Dinamentaros for my CNT Militia and another officer for the International brigade.

All the figures are from Empress miniatures. I've now got 7 Carlists and 4 Brigadistas to sort. I also put an order in to obtain another T-26. My Republicans are under armoured against the Nationalists. 

SCW Attack and Defend

At the club on Thursday night we gave the Fistful of Lead bigger battles rules a second try out. We did plan for a 6 player game, but last minute changes left us with only 3 players. We decided to play on, but just keep commands off table in reserve.

As I was on my own with the Republicans, we agreed that the Nationalists couldn't activate their reserves until the Republicans had begun to call theirs up. A simple game with 3 objectives, a hill, the village and a bridge in the middle of the table.

The bridge was the scene of vicious fighting from both sides. My Carabinieros cut down the Carlists before running from the enemy Panzers. I even lost my armoured car to a direct hit from the Panzer Breda. 

Unfortunately we ran out of time for the game, we definitely needed 6 players. I also want some tokens to track activsted units, as once the reserves entered the fray it became difficult tracking which units had activated.

Now plenty of pictures to give you a flavour of the game.

My favourite moment of the game was when my mortar fire missed its intended target, but deviated to land directly into the middle of a freshly arrived Nationalist army unit. Killing 8 of the 12 figures.

Overall I like these rules, they can be quite bloody, especially if caught in the open at close range.  We've already had a few thoughts of slightly adjusting the casualty table in future games.

SCW Additions

After Thursday game, I decided to complete a few more figures for the collection. First ip was a command section for the International Brigade. I can either use these as the start of a new company or a battalion command. Figures are all from Empress and the banner is from Flags of War.

Next up is a pair of Dinamentaros. Can't wait to give these a try out in the game on Thursday.

I do have another 2 of these in the unpainted lead pile. Lastly was some extra FAI-CNT militia. These are also from Empress.

No doubt next weeks game will encourage me to get another batch of figures completed for the collection. 

El Classico

The Spanish Civil War collection got its first runout of the year. This time we tried the Fistful of Lead, Bigger battles rules. They do allow you to customise units with traits to help give a bit of period flavour. Though they are very much in a 'Hollywood' style game.

So the game saw half my Republicans deployed defending a hill, the objective for both sides was to hold it at the end of 8 turns. I deployed a unit of Asaltos and the HMG team on the hill behind some barricades. The AT gun was hidden in the trees to cover the road.

Mitch deployed his force along the base edge, his mortar team hidden behind some trees and his Panzer 1 on the road.

The game began with the Panzer 1 opening fire, quite desultory and going low on ammo. The mortar tried to range in and missed by a country mile.

Meanwhile the Republicans opened fire at range, causing a few casualties. While the second squad of Asaltos left the town to support their comrades.

The first squad of Carlists nearly reached the barricades before devastating fire from the HMG and Asaltos sent them packing. Meanwhile the Moors crept through the woods trying to outflank the position.

Once more the Mortar missed by the length of a football pitch.  The second squad of Asaltos timely arrived on the left of the line and hammered the Moors with rapid rifle fire. They then charged into the woods to 'deal' with the last remaining Moor.

The second Carlist squad tried to sneak up on the right of the barricades before coming under fire from the AT gun. Then the Brigadistas double timed up to the front to meet their advance. A quick exchange of fire sent the Carlists packing. The Panzer 1 came under fire from the HMG team which panicked the crew forcing them to retire. The Nationalist cause was in tatters.

Even the Mortar team tried to make their escape, but were caught in the open by the Asaltos and ruthlessly shot down. At this point it was game over.

A fun game and the rules worked well. We need to get our head around shooting vehicles, but will be sorted for next week when we double the forces on both sides in a multi-player game. The mechanics of the game suggest that they should hold up with extra players.