Ecorcheurs!

I am looking for something completely different and suitable for solo play,  as a break from my air wargaming efforts that have taken up most of the last twelve months. Yesterday, I noticed that the new Gripping Beast small skirmish rules for the Hundred Years War are now available, so I'm going to take a dip. 

I studied the Hundred Years War for my first degree and have the Perry plastic boxed sets of French and English figures, so all I need are the rules and some terrain, of which I have just about enough for a basic set up. I can also scale up any forces I produce for Lion Rampant, which was my first option for this period. 

I've made a start on some English longbowmen already and the rules are in the post, so things are looking up as far as medieval wargaming is concerned, with The Barons' War also on the schedule for later in the year. I'm looking forward to something really different and plan to rope the boy into some games, once I've got things up and ready.

Algernon Pulled It Off!

I've come to a natural end with the Algernon Pulls It Off! scenario project now that the WSS and Lard Mag articles have been published. I set out this time last year to try and revive the moribund rules by setting up both a Facebook group and the scenario research project, the aim being to give the game a boost and myself a focus for the year. It's now time to draw a line under it and move on to new things, whatever those might be. I won't be abandoning Algy but I've had enough of aerial wargaming for the moment and want to do something completely different, as I've found myself stuck in the wargaming doldrums of late and need a break. Toodle Pip!

Wargames, Soldiers and Strategy 1918 Article

Despite being unwell today I was cheered up by the arrival of my copy of Wargames, Soldiers and Strategy, including my article for Algernon Pulls It Off!. It's written by me, with the models and photos kindly supplied by no less than Steve Dean, who was very helpful in sorting out that side of things. Who knows, maybe I'll get another article in the magazine one day?

Pain Stops Play

I had a bout of vertigo yesterday which lasts about twenty four hours and makes me feel terrible. I've now started to recover but I'm absolutely wiped out, so have had to postpone the club game of Algernon Pulls It Off! until the start of next month, as some of the players couldn't make the next couple of sessions. I may change the scenario anyway to 'Digger Dogfight' or 'Black Thursday' so that it accommodates six players properly. A bit of a pain in the **** but such is life when you are ill.

Bag the MiG Card Deck Mod

It was pointed out to me that the use of colours rather than phonetics was more appropriate for the Korean War, so I've modified the card deck I produced a few days ago accordingly. I also took the opportunity to add a bit more colour to distinguish move and fire cards, as well as adding a Bingo! card for the UN based on the No Fuel to Duel card from Finest Hour. The pdf download is available on the Bag the Hun FB group for free. Tally Ho!

Biggles and the Black Ravens Ready To Go!

The card deck and aircraft record sheets for the club Algy game next week have now been prepared, with the aircrew and pilots penned in, plus the damage and ammunition expenditure worked out for the RAF. The DH4's have taken a bit of a battering but the observers have managed to save a few fair numbers of ammo drums, so should be able to put up some stuff defence against Jasta 18. I've given them a loaded drum to start with, so the number of reloads left is in addition to the fully loaded drum that they already have fitted. One or two of the bombers have done nasty damage, however, so I expect they will go plummeting earthwards fairly early in the game...unless they are lucky! 

Rising Sun, Falling Dragon

Having done some proof reading for David Manley's new campaign supplement for the Sino Japanese War, I was chuffed to recieve a complimentary copy of the rules via Wargame Vault. This is going to be my naval project this year, once the Malta Bag the Hun thing is finished, with some Tumbling Dice model assembly and basing scheduled for the Easter holidays.  It really looks like an excellent campaign system and, as it's designed for Broadside and Salvo, I already know how the rules work, which is always a bonus. Thank you David. 

Malta 1940 Forward Momentum

The Malta 1940 project is now in the offing and the background research has already identified at least four potential scenarios featuring the Gloster Gladiators of the Hal Far Fighter Flight and No.261 Squadron, alongside the Hawker Hurricanes that arrived from July 1940 onwards.

I've dug out my models from the lead pile that I've accumulated over the years, in both 1/600th and 1/300th scale, with almost everything I need already in my stash. In fact I'm only missing one CR.42 in 1/300th scale and one Hurricane in 1/600th scale, so pretty much good to go! 

I now need to decide if I'm going to go back to my Bag the Hun roots and paint up the 6mm models, which include the absolutely stunning Leasing Edge SM.79, Macchi MC.200 and Hurricanes, or go for the quick option of Tumbling Dice in 1/600th, some of which I've already assembled and based for another project. 

...answers in a postcard?

Malta Gladiator Scenario Project

I've decided to move the Bag the Hun Spanish Civil War project to one side for the moment, as it's a long term project anyway, to focus instead on some Gloster Gladiator scenarios instead. I have at least four potential historical actions to develop into play test games, which makes it a worthwhile exercise and something I can get my teeth into over the next month or so. The plan is to paint up some 1/600th scale aircraft for play testing or perhaps even some 1/300th scale models for a change, while also researching and writing the scenarios. Tally Ho!

Malta Gladiators

               

I had a query from a wargamer about Malta scenarios for Bag the Hun yesterday, specially ones involving Gladiators, or Sea Gladiators to be precise. I had written some Malta scenarios a few years for No.85 Squadron, which can be found in the 2014 Summer Special, but haven't returned to the subject since then. 

I had some spare time today so decided to investigate the subject using Fighters over Malta as a starting point. I was looking for potential historical actions that went beyond the Faith, Hope and Charity period, and it soon became apparent that there are some possibilities. In fact, I think there are at least three or four engagements that could be worked up into viable games.

I'll carry on looking into this as I'm pretty sure it would be a vote winner for Bag the Hun players. The next thing to do is a bit more digging to add some detail to the potential scenarios, specifically the Italian side of the equation, bringing it all together as a series of sketches, after which I can start writing something up for play testing. 

I am also thinking of submitting the end result to Wargames, Soldiers and Strategy magazine, if they are interested in some Malta air wargaming content. I'll contact Guy Bowers to see if he thinks it's something he'd like to explore and where it might fit into the editorial plan? If not, I'll send it all off to Nick Skinner for the Lard Mag!

Early War SCW Aircraft Extras

I wasn't really intending to add any early war aircraft to the Spanish Civil War Bag the Hun project, but I have given in and ordered a few that can be used for both the Nationalists and Republicans. These include some Nieuport Delage NiD 52 fighters, some Bregiet XIX light bombers and a handful of Dewoitine D.371 fighters. I also have some assorted models that can be used in my spares box, so they might be added to the mix if I need some bombers, reconnaissance or transport aircraft. In the meantime, I'm still working on the later war Republican stuff, most of which is Soviet supplied.

Prussian Preussen Class Ironclad Conversion

Preussen Class 

Preussen Class Profile

I had an idea out of the blue today. I was thinking about playing some naval games with my 1/2400th scale ironclads but with some new models, when I remembered some ideas I had ages ago for a Prussian flotilla. I was stumped at the time for suitable models but have now come up with a cunning plan. This is to convert the Tumbling Dice models of HMS Monarch into the three Preussen class turret ironclads, simply by removing the forward and aft section of the superstructure, adding a new turret and an extended funnel. In many respects the ships were very similar in design and dimensions, so it should work out well. I don't currently have three spare models but will order some as soon as I have some spare pocket money!

Biggles and the Black Ravens Resources

I have spent an hour or so today printing off the stuff I need to rub the club Algy game next week including the scenario briefing, aircraft record cards, the card deck, manoeuvre guide and, last but not least, the QRS. The latter was designed by fellow club member Geoff but he won't be playing in the game this time. I have five players lined up and I reckon this scenario will give them a good taste of the rules, together with a run for their money. I now need to cut out and sleeve the card deck, then fill out the aircraft record sheets with the pilot and crew details, then we're ready for Chocks Away!

Winged Sabres

I'm always looking for potential scenario material for Algernon Pulls It Off! and this book should tick a lot of the boxes. It relates the operational history of No.20 Squadron RFC / RAF from February 1916 through to November 1918, initially being equipped with the F.E.2 and latterly with the F.2b Bristol Fighter. I'd been after a good hardback copy at a decent price for quite a while, which I have now located and ordered. I'm looking forward to using it for some scenario research, the aim being to write up and play test at least one game. Tally Ho!

Utilising Speed in Algernon Pulls It Off!

I re-leaned something today that I had completely overlooked, assuming that Algernon Pulls It Off! uses the same system as Bag the Hun 2 to calculate and utilise aircraft speed.

After re-reading the relevant bit of the rules, it clearly stated that you can 'slow down or speed up within the maximum speed' but the D4 modifier has to be applied on top of that, depending on your pilot skill level.

To be honest, I have been playing using the system in Bag the Hun 2, where you have to move the full basic distance. I should have realised that this was wrong, having originally played the first edition of Bag the Hun, where the same flexibility is included.

I'm actually looking forward to playing some games with the correct speed rules to see just how it speeds up, or s possibly slows down, game play. It will certainly give players more opportunity to manoeuvre into position and get on the tail of their opponents, which is an exciting opportunity for them to shoot things down rather than spend ages plotting their moves.

Tally Ho!

Bag the MiG Card Deck

I was off work today as I wasn't required to go in, which meant I could have a go at putting together a basic, printer friendly card deck for Bag the MiG, based on one I designed for Bag the Hun play testing a long time ago. It's been tweaked a bit with a few customisations, replacing the Tally Ho! cards with something more appropriate, for example, but otherwise it's fairly generic. It can also be easily adapted to add extra character cards or scenario specific cards, so it's pretty flexible. 

The cards are quite large, as they were originally designed for multi player games, but they can be scaled down on a photocopier if preferred. They are designed for use with the original, first edition of Bag the Hun but will work fine with Bag the Hun 2 mechanics, apart from the use of blinds rather than bogeys. They are available to download from the Bag the Hun FB group files as a handy .pdf document. 

Algernon Pulls It Off! Club Multiplayer Game

I've been asked to put on an Algy game at a local club, which is cool, but I thought I'd run a practice one at my usual club beforehand, just in case I need to iron anything out. I'd been meaning to do this for a while but I just haven't had the time to organise anything. The plan is to umpire one of the Jasta 18 scenarios from the Lard Mag for the chaos, probably either Digger Dogfight or Biggles and the Black Ravens, the latter being the preferred option as it allows players lots of opportuniies to shoot things down. I'll get myself organised and find a suitable date next month....Tally Ho!

Bag the MiG Momentum

I've recently become a moderator on the Bag the Hun FB group, giving me the opportunity to encourage players to give the system a go. One thing I'm keen to push is Bag the MiG, partly as I've always wanted to try it out myself but also to pick up some interest on the group for something a bit different. It's a great option for me as I already have the aircraft, flight stands and hex cloth, so just need a deck of cards for it to be a solo game project this year. I'm not going to be writing any scenario content, however, as there's already a good selection available, especially if the CY6 MiG Alley book is used as a source of historical actions. I'm looking forward to some games in the not too distant future!

Spanish Civil War Plane Painting

I was going to try and mix and match some paint shades for the Spanish Civil War Republican aircraft models but found this set of base paints to experiment with instead. I've used AK paints before and found them a little thin, so you need more than one coat for effective coverage, but it will save me some time trying to work out alternatives. They should arrive fairly soon and I'm going to get started when the postie drops them off.

Spanish Civil War Republican Air Force

The 1/600th scale models for the Spanish Republican air force have now been assessed and just need magnet basing. This is the line up based on mid to late war:

12 x I-16 Mosca

9 x I-15 Chatos

6 x I-15bis Super Chato

9 x SB-2 Katyushka

3 x MB 200

1 x Polikarpov R-5 Natasha

On to the painting!

Algy Dogfight Generator Scenario

 

I tried out Algy's Dastardly Dogfight Mission Generator today and came up with this scenario. Here's the process step by step.

I decided on April 1917 as my time slot, picking Sopwith Triplanes for the RNAS, as they were not flown by the RFC, and Albatros DIII scouts for the Luftstreitkrafte.

The RNAS rolled up a Flight of 2 aircraft and the Germans rolled up a Kette of 4. 

The RNAS Squadron roll was 2 + 4 so I added the numbers to get No.6 Squadron. The Germans rolled 5 + 1 so I combined them to get Jasta 15.

The RNAS rolled up a  flight leader Captain (Regular) and a Lieutenant (Regular). The Germans rolled up a kette fuhrer Hauptmann (Regular), an Oberleutnant (Junior Ace), a Leutnant (Sprog) and a Leutnant (Regular). I switched the RFC ranks for RNAS ones just to be historically accurate.

The starting Altitude for the RNAS rolled up as 11 and for the Germans 10. 

The RNAS rolled up an entry point to the West and the Germans to the North East.

Finally, the Sun Position was rolled as due South.

This all seemed to work out well, apart from a lingering feeling that the ranks need to be bumped down a bit, which would be easy to build in if NCO pilots were included. The RNAS are going to have a fight on their hands due to being outnumbered and less experienced, but that fits 'Bloody April' to a tee, so I'm happy with the outcome.

For game play I've named the pilots after beers...why not?! 

Flight Commander Greene-King 

Flight Lieutenant Boddington

Hauptmann Bitberger

Oberleutnant Becks

Leutnant Warsteiner

Leutnant Rothaus

Cheers! / Prost!

We Dive At Dawn First Impressions

I fancied a break from assembling tiny metal aeroplanes in a freezing garage today, so set up a play through of We Dive At Dawn, the roll and write game of WW2 submarine warfare that David Manley sent my way the other day. It was good fun, even if my fictional submarine HMS Stonefish, didn't achieve much on her first war patrol. I didn't write up a detailed after sortie report but you can read more about it on my other blog, where I keep all my solo board game stuff:

https://teaandawad.blogspot.com/2026/01/we-dive-at-dawn-patrol.html?fbclid=IwdGRjcAPkdSljbGNrA-Rzp2V4dG4DYWVtAjExAHNydGMGYXBwX2lkDDM1MDY4NTUzMTcyOAABHoBU-kSjnHaCPdEri_-ywcb3pmxS-c58JL88xe9ivbyQQt5b3Ej5f3fA_BAI_aem_EBnCN-x78YYRIOEGLs_JHA&m=1

Spanish Civil War Republican Air Force Progress

A long afternoon spent at the workbench and I'm nearly finished with assembling the 1/600th scale aircraft for the Bag the Hun Spanish Republican air force. I got sidetracked into converting a Mitsubishi torpedo bomber into an R-5 Natasha, but apart from that I've stuck to the plan. I have six I-152 Super Chato fighters to glue together, then I will be ready to add the magnets and start painting things. 

Winter Hammer Soviets

The land based wargaming project on the workbench is a solo Winter War platoon level scheme using 6mm figures on a three foot square terrain board. The original idea was to use the 6mm Heroics and Ros range of Finnish and Russian figures, tanks and artillery. This is still Plan A but having received a Peter Pig voucher for my birthday, I was also of doing the Soviet forces using WW2 Russians in greatcoats with head swaps. I have a stash of figures, so would just need to budenovka and early war helmet head packs to convert them for 1939. The Finns are a different question but the WW2 German ski troops are a possible option. In the meantime, I'll stick with the 6mm Soviet figures, guns and vehicles which I have got ready to base and paint.

Early War Aircraft for Bag the Hun

I discovered a fantastic range of 3D printed aircraft for interwar and early war scenarios yesterday, as usual while looking for something completely unrelated. These are available in three different scales including 1/300th, from Bayonets and Brushes and are intended to be used for the Spanish Civil War, Dutch East Indies and Blitzkrieg. However, they incidentally cover just about everything you could need for the Winter War, Khalkhin Gol and East African campaign, which ticks all of the boxes for my Bag the Hun Lard Mag articles, and then some! I'm sorely tempted to order a few to fill the gaps in the East Africa stash for Bag the Bok but can't really justify spending pocket money on more stuff at the moment. 

We Dive at Dawn

David Manley of Long Face Games was kind enough to send me earlier this week, a pre-release copy of his new solitaire pen and dice rules for Royal Navy submarine sorties in the Mediterranean. This is a system not unlike Corvette Command or Nightfighter Command, which I have played a lot and did some of the play testing for a few years ago, but it uses different mechanics. I haven't had any time this week to try it out but hope to give it a go this weekend. As usual, I'll be posting a report over on my other very occasional blog, which is dedicated to solo board wargames and print and play rules: 

https://teaandawad.blogspot.com/?m=1

Algy's Dastardly Dogfight Game Generator

I had some time over lunch today to draft out the Algernon Pulls It Off! dogfight scenario generator, so that it's is a bit more user friendly. I added a sun position dice roll, which I had forgotten to include in the initial version, as well as a few minor tweaks to explain the options. I think it will work well but the proof will very much be in the pudding, as they say in the mess. I'm going to try it out as soon as I can find the time to have a quick pick up game.

Through the Mud and Blood British Platoon

I eventually found my stash of Peter Pig WW1 British infantry, after a long and frustrating search in the garage,  shifting loads of boxes of lead about and dropping one on my foot. The figures were in the last box, of course, but at least I tracked them down.

I've sorted them out and I'm pretty sure I have all that I need for the text book platoon from the training manual scenarios in the Stout Hearts, Iron Troopers supplement. I'll use the bayonet armed figures for most of the sections, with the Lewis gunners, rifle grenade launchers and grenade throwing figures alongside. 

The figures without bayonets will be used as scouts and snipers., while the 'novelty' sportsmen figures will be converted into runners and ammunition carriers. An officer figure will be included for the platoon lieutenant and I'll put together a single Vickers machine gun and team for defensive scenarios or as objectives for the sturmtruppen to knock out.

....this is looking like a very feasible project!