Incas, Nubians & Napoleonics

The first of the Incas to come off the paint table - and the simplest colour schemes.  The slingers are obviously modelled on a plate in the Osprey book - pity about the cloaks as they were not worn in battle.  I'm now working on the chequered designs - red & white to start with.

After fielding my 20mm Egyptians against the Nubians (a fortnight ago) I found that I had insufficient Nubian Bw to serve in both armies. So, scrounging up a dozen suitable figures I can now cover that particular shortfall.

There is still a shortage in chariots (especially for generals) so yet again I rummaged through my 'plastic mountain' to find some convertables.  Looks like the basic Airfix Roman models will fit the bill.  Of course the wheels are wrong but that problem can be solved by a visit to Irregular Miniatures at the next show that I attend.  

Already awaiting my attention are 3 (x7) 'biblical' Horde.  The Hebrews plus a few 'spares' should look the part in due course.  Why do I get the feeling that I have taken on too much?


Round Up

Saturday 21st April 2018 - WDW

I wasn't there as Montezuma had other ideas.  There were two games going on - Bob's "Setting the East Ablaze" Russian Civil War game and Chris' Napoleonic effort.

Castricum 1799

"In 1799, an Anglo Russian army under the Duke of York invaded Holland, lured by tales that the country was ready to rise against the occupying French. The rising did not happen; and despite the capture of the Dutch fleet (Quite a triumph in its own right) and some battlefield success, the allied army was forced to evacuate after a set back at Castricum on 6th October; and it was this action that we chose to fight out under "Age of Eagles" rules. The map and order of battle from the Age of Eagles scenario book "Power is my Mistress" by Steve Hojnacki formed the basis of our game, with added detail from "A Waste of Blood and Treasure", by Philip Ball (Pen and Sword; recommended). Chris started the morning commanding the Russians and British, handing over the commands of Dundas and Abercromby to Paul and James when they arrived. As in the original battle, Essen's Russians forged ahead of their British allies, the Lifeguard Cossack squadron leading a gallant charge in support of Fersen's brigade, which drove the French from Bakkum, while the Russian guns flayed the French on the Russian right flank. Pressing on, the Russians threatened to take Castricum next; but Mark, as Brune, held his nerve and fed reinforcements in, holding the Russians in front, and threatening to cut in behind their flanks. This was in no small way aided by the tardiness of Dundas on the left, and Abercromby in the Dunes on the Allied right. Padget's brigade of light dragoons, a potential battle winner, failed to deliver the knockout blow expected of it. Mark stormed the Russian Heavy battery with one of Gouvion's demi-brigades, and  Essen had little option other than to fall back to avoid being cut off.  As in the real battle, our Duke of York started the game in Alkmaar, arriving in our case two thirds of the way through. At this point, James and Paul arrived,  taking over as Abercromby and Dundas respectively. Headed by the Guards brigades, the British intervened at long last and the French were halted. Both sides lost heavily, but there was no doubt this was a French victory. The allies had failed to advance further towards Amsterdam, and could not afford their losses. Evacuation would have been unavoidable. "Man of the Match" to Mark, for not losing his head, feeding in reinforcements to hold the Russian infantry, and then cutting between the Russian flanks and the tortoise like advance of the British when under Chris's command (The Court of Enquiry acquitted James and Paul; Chris has been demoted to commander of the wagon train). Unit of the match? close call between Fersen's brigade, and the Dutch dragoons, who turned the tide of battle by cutting in through the junction of Dundas's right, and Fersen's left. All in all, an enjoyable re-fight, with a few lessons for the next time we give it a go."

Thanks to Chris for this report.