The Little Bighorn

As promised I managed to run the Battle of the Little Bighorn scenario at the club. It is meant to represent the final stand as the Native Americans close in. The rules were the simple Fistful of Lead Reloaded. The forces we split as follows. 2 groups of dismounted US cavalry, each of 5 figures. One of which was designated as Custer. The Native Americans had 4 groups each of 5 figures, nearly half of which were mounted.

It is not much of a battle report as I spent most of the game laughing. Memorable highlights being Custer, finally crumbling under numerous attacks. There was also a bit of friendly fire amongst the cavalry and plenty oof mutterings about the number of Aces and Queen of hearts that John drew allowing him to recover all the wounds inflicted on him. The final act saw a wounded trooper trying to crawl to safety, only for 2 Souix warriors to track him down and put an end to his life, Now for the pictures.

Preparing for the last stand

Not quite Souix

Let's go

Quickly dubbed wounded Knee after being shot twice

Lack of ammo was not good

Lone marksman- little bo peep

Charge

Custer is down

Here they come again

Friendly fire amidst the carnage

The final few

Not a good time to run out of ammo

It's not looking good

Great shooting before the Queen of hearts

Charging 'injuns'

Last man standing

So, a very enjoyable again, so much so we go again next week, with a few different players. Mitch also hopes to get the Cacti painted. We could also do with a few more dismounted Native Americans for when they get wounded and un-horsed

More US Cavalry

I know I said I would get some of the mounted cavalry to match the first batch of figures, but, I was sent a Fistful of Lead scenario for the Little Bighorn, in which I needed 10 troopers on foot and 20 Native Americans. So a change of order was made and here they are. All from Artizan miniatures.

I'm quite happy with how they've turned out. Now I can select 10 random figures from the 12 I have. Here they all are.

I also completed one more Native American to bring them up to 20 after re-basing 10 rather old and badly painted mounted figures. They will do to try out the scenario. There was also a trapper from Artizan added to the completed tally.

Hopefully I'll get to run the scenario next week at the club. It does look difficult for the cavalry. 

US Cavalry

To add a little variety to the various gangs in use at the club for a bit of Wild west gaming, I decided to paint up a few US cavalry troopers. Just the 6 models all from Artizan designs.

So 3 armed with pistols and 3 with Carbines. Great models to paint up and Artizan even do the mounted versions. I may just pick these up next month.

Painting update

Taking advantage of the nice weather and light nighrs I managed to get a few more figures completed from the lead pile. First up was a few more Native Americans. Thankfully one is bow armed to give more options. Not sure what make of figures these are, a bit rough and ready, but they will suffice.

I also completed a rather well dresed and armed lady. Pretty certain this is a Foundry model. Could be used as a NPC or objective in games. Not sure if it is actually from a Wild west range, but it was in the lead pile and needed painting.

Next up was a few further additions to the RCW collection. First an ensign, just need to remember where I put the flag poles.

I also completed another unit of sailors. This time I did a few in the white summer trousers as well as a few in civilian trousers. I can then mix them in with the other ten.

That is the last of the RCW infantry. Just got the vehicles and cavalry to sort out now.

Old West Native Americans

With a western game planned for the club on Thursday and a couple of players mentioning they would like to use the Native Americans. I knew I already had 3 painted up, but would likely need more. So a quick rummage in the lead pile produced 3 more. I tried to paint them in the same style as the earlier models.

Pretty certain 2 of the models are Old Glory and the other is from Foundry. So here are all 6 together. Not a bad match.

So after completing these I was informed by Mitch he will just need the 2 pistol armed models. Oh well at least they are off the painting table. Now back to the RCW.

Fistful of Lead

With the return of club gaming, Mitch decided to run a FFOL game using his old west collection. I remembered that I had a box of assorted cowboys, lawmen etc stored somewhere so dug them out. Selecting 4 suitable figures after I had rebased them all.

4 Lawmen to bring justice to the streets. There were 3 other factions in play. Some Cowboys, dastardly Mexicans and the Earps. It was a simple scenario of locating a certain individual and returning him to your starting location.

The rules are simple and fun and make for a quick game. I was lucky enough to locate the target and return him to jail. Now for pictures of the game.

Great fun and Stargrave next week