Update

Manged to gain access to the club today to remove my figures ready for the workmen to get started on removing the asbestos. Looks like the club will probably be closed until at least Christmas. One thing I did realise was how many figures and terrain items I had at the club, managed to fill 5 large boxes.

On the painting front, been touching up my GNW Saxons, many of these were painted about 15-20 years ago (my first historical army), the figures are all Dixon's and in need of some TLC.

Disaster

Well this is a bit of a downer, got a text from Jon, it seems the room that we use for wargaming has been closed until further notice. Looks like Asbestos has been discovered. There goes the bi game for this weekend.

Ramilles

Just received the book on Ramilles by James Falkner the other day, courtesy of Amazon. Already read through once, a useful addition to my collection on the period. Looking ahead I am planning to do a large weekend game for the club using the Marlburian collections of me and Jon. Rough estimates are approx 100 battalions and 120 squadrons, looking to adapt Mikes rules which are hex based (as we don't yet have a hex board). Current estimates are 4 players with the possibility of my 2 nephews joining in. That would be hand as each player can take a wing. Currently looking through some of the historical battlefield maps to use as a layout.

WH40K

Last night at the club played a small WH40K game with my 2 nephews, quite enjoyable with the boys eventually achieving the objective. This is part of a mini campaign I am running and was their second success. Now I've got quite a few Orks and gretchins to paint up for a larger scale battle in the future. I already have enough vehicles and troops for the imperial guard.

Painting update

Just added a couple of photos of my Imperial forces. Currently concentrating on the Swabian and Franconian Circle troops.

On the left Franconian Cuirassiers Brandenberg Bayreuth, On the right the Swabian Cuirassiers Stauffenberg (figures are all Dixons)

On the left Franconain Dragoons - Bibra, The right Swabian Dragoons - Hohenzollern (figures by warrior miniatures)

The start of the Franconian Circle infantry, 3 battalions of the Markgraf von Brandenberg regiment and the combined regimental Grenadiers (these eventually became a stand alone battalion) (figures are a mix of Essex - grenadiers , warrior and dixons)

I've also purchased a number of 6mm buildingds to add to a couple that have been lying around the club for a few years. The intention is to base 2-3 buildings on each CD and use as villages for fighting the games on.

Minden 1759

Sunday saw me involved in a refight of the battle of Minden, I didn't know too much about this battle except that it was an allied victory and the British infantry performing very well. This time I was determined it would go differently. I was given command of the French left flank which included their Saxon allies, Jon took the centre and Mike (C in C) took the French right. Our opponents were Harry with the allied right, Mick in the centre and Charlie (C in C) the left. To say the early stages were slightly difficult is an understatement. On our left the British and Hanovarian infantry did heavy damage to my first line of infantry who gamely hung in until the second line could reinforce them. These extra fresh troops began to tip this flank into my favour and forced the allies back. The French centre struggled to deploy and saw heavy casualties mount up especially among the grenadiers. Eventuually Jon formed up and began to push the allied centre back, even being able to send a full brigade of infantry to support my counter attack. The French right wing, predominatly cavalry was severley worsted by the allied horse in early exchanges and only the eventual arrival of infantry support turned the tide in their favour. All in all a great game with great opponents. The figures are from Mick's collection, the rules were a homemade set by Mick which facilitate fast play and were very effective. I've added some photos I managed to take of the battle.

Weekend Ahead

Received an email from Mick detailing this weekend large multi player game. Its going to be the battle of Minden. Don't know much about this battle apart from French and Saxon allies against British, Prussians and other allies. So far I have been allotted to the French Command with Mike the CinC and me and Jon 2 of his divisional commanders (think I have the Saxons). Must admit really looking forward to it, will have to crash learn the rules as I play, though with movement on hexes it shouldn't be an issue. Will try to remember to take the camera and get some photos.