Books & Halifax

Two books by Donald Featherstone fell onto my mat this week:

 This book covers the campaigns versus the Abyssinians, Ashantis, Basutos, Boers (Transvaal & South African wars), Kaffirs, Matabele, Mashonas & Zulus.

No North West Frontier here as the book concentrates on purely Indian wars - Sind, Gwalior. First & Second Sikh plus the Indian Mutiny.

Looks like plenty of inspiration for colonial outings (probably using 'paper soldiers' in the latter case).

After trying out DB Colonial (a variant of DBN) at Ian's place we thought the rules had promise but needed closer inspection.


Sunday 31st March 2109

After loosing an hour's sleep I dragged myself off to the Halifax model shop and managed to pick up 3 boxes:

 Pretty certain I already have some of these but with an imminent attempt at 'Rebels & Patriots' coming up these may get painted sooner rather than later (and then again....).

Very useful additions to my colonial 'stocks' (3 per box).  I have been using American wagon train  items until now.

Back from Chilcon (Sheffield)

Went off this morning to find the 'Chilcon' site.

Pros:  (a)  food and drink more innovative than most shows.
                 Was surprised about the drinks stall!
          (b)  a proper 'bring and buy'

Cons:  (1)  tricky to find (I came along the A6135 into what I thought was the
                  'town centre'. The school is up the hill, beyond Chapeltown,
                  going towards Ecclesfield.)
           (2)  limited parking (I was in the last group to find any spaces at approx 10.30 hrs)
           (3)  food was outside (good job it was dry) and no seating available.

Would I go again?  No - too expensive (£5 entry) and not enough interesting traders.
Anyway here's my, limited, loot:

I already have the Taiping book (my main interest) so this is a really just a supplement.

War & Empire is a manufacturer that is new to me.       https://www.forgedinbattle.com/
The last time I fielded a Thracian army I was short of 4x Irr Ax(S) and 2 x Irr Ax(O) Elements.  I also lacked a proper foot general for my hill tribe allies.  Looking at the figures in the pack I decided to go for WE-TH06 Thracian Light Infantry rather than WE-TH05 Thracian Peltast.  Having got home I checked the website so now I plan to purchase the other option.

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Finished another book:

 Dr Who and the Web of Fear by Terrance Dicks

Another Target Book - c.1976 - with Patrick Troughton in the lead.  Ably assisted by Jamie (Frazer Hines) and Victoria (Deborah Watling - who died in 2017).

There are a number of set-piece skirmishes between UNIT and the Yeti which could easily translate to the table top. Some additional fire power may be required for UNIT to provide balance though.

The semi-derelict London Underground system makes for an interesting backdrop to the action.

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Recent Web Discoveries:

(a)  Rebels & Patriots - YouTube battle report

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kG6y1HnE0Zs&fbclid=IwAR1cUmS6NBd3OKlA9kFWsT4FidB6G8wsav_9VdjllvtZZncvborCFOz46ok

(b)  R&P Multi-Player - YouTube report

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JOACTULNJNc&feature=youtu.be&fbclid=IwAR3otQnxyz3p7DV091iN7QrvSg2kaEWhhRQ6VJgZkYyjRKglpQZPl8Hoe1A


(c)  TA & Co - DBA 3 - New Battle Reports

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCbRAe5rGG3lYIHXFgkrC3wQ

(d)  Kit Kat Katapult

 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RZxnJ9VXlhg

Dr Who Books

It's been a while since I last posted - illness and RL getting in the way.  The reports of my death are....premature.  So on with the motley.

Whilst laid up I have finished some books:


(1)  "Revolt in the Desert" by T.E.Lawrence - an abridged version of "Seven Pillars of Wisdom". 

Somewhat self-aggrandising, overtly literary and, at times, disjointed.  The book is more atmosphere than detail - illustrating a series of skirmishes and political intrigue.  Not much use for the average wargamer.


(2) "Dr Who and the Auton Invasion" by Terence Dicks

A tale of the Pertwee Doctor featuring UNIT.  Both sides are trying to recover 'meterorites" so that the Autons can/cannot take over the Earth.  Straightforward stuff that would easily translate into a tabletop skirmish game.


(3)  "Dr Who and the Ribos Operation" by Ian Marter

A tale of two con men and a deposed despot.  Tom Baker being his usual self.  Much of the action takes place in a mausoleum so more useful as a dungeon crawler rather than a wargame.


(4)  "Dr Who and the War Games" by Malcolm Hulke

For this blog I asked myself "which Doctor is it" and was unable to give an answer.  Of  course I could look it up - Jamie and Zoe as companions - but what a vanilla Doctor!  Aliens recruiting and selecting soldiers from Earth's past.  I vaguely remember the tv episodes which were quite entertaining.  This book does the Doctor no favours.