David Bickley's Wargames Blog

The occasional ramblings of an average gamer, journeyman painter, indifferent modeller, games designer, sometime writer for Wargames Illustrated and host of games in GHQ.



Thursday 4 April 2019

“This week I have mostly...”

”...been playing SYW games.” After expending so much painting  effort on expanding the SYW British and French armies in the past few weeks it seemed only right to get them on the table and into action. The first week of each month usually sees two games, sometimes both in GHQ: Monday against Phil and Wednesday evening against Jon. So this month, two SYW games using Black Powder 2 for the price of one and, rather than two AARs, a series of pictures capturing scenes from the two Battles of Nieman Heide ~
The French advance to battle.
"Sound the Charge!"
Lord Rawnsley struggles to get him army into action.
The French coming on in the same old way!
A couple of shots illustrating the much talked about 'new unit syndrome'. Orleans cavalry routed in their very first melee and infantry regiment Royal Ecossais routed in their first fire fight! It is the law!

Bar the Front Rank French Light Infantry, all the figures in my SYW collection are from the small Foundry/Casting Room Miniatures ranges of British and French figures with flags by GMB Designs. Monday’s game ended in a win for the French under De Byklie, the Comte du Merde. Lord Rawnsley conceded the field when half his Brigades were rated Broken at the end of Turn 7.
Wednesday evening saw Jon take up the mantle of commanding the British from Phil. In a game which swung both ways the outcome in the end proved too close to call, with Lord Walton securing the better of a draw against the bruised but unbroken French. Again, a few pictures from the action ~
Cavalry clash early in the second game.
British Infantry in the centre prepare for the attack.



  The French press forward as the Wild Geese fly!
Deep in thought?
The end is nigh!
Two splendid games with good friends, what more could a chap ask for in truth? Next up in GHQ in mid April will be an ECW game using Pike & Shotte, as we attempt to get our heads around the rules! In the meantime,its back to painting the Volunteers of Ireland for my AWI collection.

18 comments:

  1. Splendid troops and pictures!

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  2. Great looking games, with lovely figures and terrain:)

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    1. Many thanks for your kind words Steve J.

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  3. Good looking games. New unit syndrome, very apt, especially when the unit is special or Guard.

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    1. Thanks George. Of course, new units always disappoint.

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  4. Splendid games David great to see the collection out on the table.

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    1. Thanks Matt, I always enjoy seeing all the toys out to play

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  5. What’s not to like...?
    Lots of toys...great uniforms... pretty flags and good friends...

    All the best. Aly

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  6. Good to see the French out and in action David.Its quite an array you have put together. You cant beat Blackpowder for a fun wargame I know it has many detractors but its a great way to enjoy a stress free game.

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    1. Black Powder and I suit each other just fine. Later in the year I plan to rejig my cavalry arms to give more flexibility in games.

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  7. Hmmm Pike and Shorts. I wasn't aware they had hot weather uniforms for the ECW.:-) I'm just kidding David I had to take the shot as your writing is excellent so the unusual mistake made it all the more funny. Anyhow, I'm not one to talk as my writing makes Swiss cheese look like a solid block of Cheddar so revenge would be children's play for you!

    As ever a lovely table coming out of GHQ that makes me want to start playing SYW as soon as possible. Wonderful!

    Christopher

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    1. You'll see I've amended that Christopher. It's all down to auto correct, but I missed it! Looking forward to your SYW games.

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  8. Lovely looking proper toy soldier games! Of course the newly painted units acted as they always do!
    Best Iain

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    1. As you say, new units do what they do.

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