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, 23 March 2023

Hoodlum Hooch Hokkum in Howardville

An occasional run out for a part of my Pulp Adventures collection featured in the most recent game with Paul here in GHQ. Captain Watson and his 'boys in blue' from the Precinct House vied with the mobster Don Bicclione and his Family over the movement of a shipment of moonshine from the outskirts of Howardville to the dockside Speakeasy. Just a few snaps taken during the game which I hope will give a sense of the riotous amusement the game provided ~

The Fleets in port it seems which means more business for Don Bicclione's Speakeasy unless shore leave is cancelled. The USS Paddock is tied up and the crew are anxiously awaiting much needed R&R.
The 'mean streets' of Howardville busy with its citizens going about their daily lives unaware of the violence and mayhem about to be revealed in their midst 
Captain Watson marshalls his forces outside the Precinct House. Reporters of the Howardville Bugle are on hand to capture the moment for their readers.
Don Bicclione's men are ready to load the shipment and speed it on its way to the Speakeasy. Their hideout/warehouse is in a quiet quarter where the neighbours certainly won't disturb them.
The streets of 'Chinatown' are unusually quiet. Perhaps the Blue Tong have got wind of the shipment and have their own plans for its destination?
Wherever the illegal hooch finishes up you can be sure it will be beyond the financial reach of these down and outs who have made their home on an abandoned lot.
Captain Watson has sensibly deployed his machine gun on the Precinct House's roof giving a field of fire all the way to the harbour.
Officer Dribble seems blissfully unaware that the mob are just above his head! He need not have worried, Sergeant Moore and his machine gun have the drop on them.
The Police car and it's passengers come under unexpected fire from the mob in their roadster. One offer falls in the hail of bullets, another death in the line of duty!
Despite their surprise at the unexpected attack the Police return fire. In the hail of bullets the monsters are cut down and their roadster burst into flames!
Sensing a chance to be a hero Officer Desch has reached the rooftop and surprised another group of mobsters. He kills one in his initial assault but then sensibly retires as the Tommy guns spit their bullets all around him.
A second roadster and it's load of mobsters join the fray but are soon neutralised by the Police fire. They die in the exchange and their car is a smoking wreck. The consignment though and it's escorts are close to their destination. Can Don Bicclione's men pull this off? Sadly not, as a hail of bullets destroys the engine of the truck and wipes out the accompanying mobsters...
In a final gesture more mobsters led by O'Toole rush the Precinct House armed only with clubs, knives and iron bars. Officer Brecher takes aim with his BAR but miraculously no mobsters stop a bullet! It's all too late though for the Don. Two of his close associates are gunned down and his consignment of moonshine is burning in the truck fire!

The game was played using Bolt Action rules over six turns. After a slow start Captain Watson got the measure of his task and saw it through to a successful conclusion despite the best efforts of his dice. The buildings are all from Old Glory bar the warehouse which Phil scratchbuilt. The figures are from Bob Mutch's Pulp Figures range. The USS Paddock I built based on a piece of UTT* with the upper housing and main gun from MiniMe. The vehicles are from all sorts of manufacturers such as Lledo, Corgi, Days Gone By and so on.

*UTT - Universal Tourist Tatt, sold the world over.

18 comments:

  1. It was a great fun, light hearted game with a wonderful collection of figures and terrain. The bolt action system proved to work very well, and provided a good few unexpected twists and turns. A thoroughly enjoyable session...even though dispite our best efforts, Bicclione escaped without arrest or injury....mabe next time!

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    1. I'm glad you enjoyed your trip to the 1920's in Howardville. Don Bicclione is a more slippery customer than folk expect given his bulk.

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  2. Some pulsating pulp gaming over terrific terrain there gentlemen.

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  3. Now that really is a fine looking game there David, which is not a surprise as you always put on a good show:). I loved the UTT which made me chuckle!

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    1. I do my best, can do no more. Glad to have amused too.

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  4. Different but impressive, lovely table.

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    1. You know me George, always pushing the envelope of wargaming.

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  5. What a very cool looking game David!

    Christopher

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  6. Crime doesn't pay, especially when the boys in blue have mg's and B.A.R's!

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  7. The whole set up is stunning. I have a similar collection of vehicles but am in dire need of the scenery....roads, pavements, buildings, etc!

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    1. Thank you for your support and encouragement rross.

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  8. Cracking stuff David…
    A characterful collection and beautiful terrain indeed.

    All the best. Aly

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    1. Very kind of you Aly, very much appreciated. Hope the cold/cough is abating and rebasing is concluded satisfactorily.

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  9. It was a hot time, in the old time, that night!
    Excellent set up and characters!

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  10. Many thanks Gonsalvo, encouragement always welcomed.

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