THE BRIDGE AT BRUMMAGEM (Part Two) and New Acquisitions

MOVE THIRTEEN started off with Chris (Germans) being allowed to throw a dice to determine what reinforcements would arrive in response to his earlier request for support. The higher the dice score, the better. For my part, the reconnaissance force of Americans continued to approach the river, and a HMG took up post in the windmill. But my main force was still about two moves behind them. I have mentioned before, Chris is lucky with dice, he threw a six, he chose a battalion of elite SS infantry, twelve figures.

Small arms fire now took place, but the Germans also used their PAK38, artillery, and mortar. The results were effective. Three US infantry went down, and two more crew on the M3 half-track were injured, which obliged a morale check. Not only did the M3 crew decide to pull back but this encouraged the nearby infantry and mortar team to do likewise (next move). The Germans suffered only one casualty. My three US bazookas did nothing more than damage some sandbags!

German Reinforcements arrive.

Americans are forced back under heavy fire.

MOVE FOURTEEN saw the Americans pull back to reform...... fortunately, the Americans were expecting some air support this move {perhaps they will have more luck, my dice throws have been rubbish). An aircraft bomb takes out a PAK crewman. The HMG in the windmill hits the AA gun crew. But return fire also takes out some Americans. MOVE FIFTEEN was rather quiet, hardly a casualty.

MOVE SIXTEEN allowed the Luftwaffe to make a second appearance. Dice indicated two bombers, but the drop went wild, one of the bombs actually landed on the German HMG position sandbags, no casualties but the defence value was removed! Chris was not happy. The American second division continued to advance. The American AA HMGs (2) opened up on a German bomber, four dice throws. A D6 was a hit, followed by a D4, this indicated the aircraft was damaged and obliged to depart. Now this move saw the American infantry have some success. Both bridge positions were knocked out, and the Germans had other casualties too.

Casualties so far, 8 German soldiers, plus a farmer. One aircraft damaged. One German deserter. 16 Americans have been hit, and 6 more are refusing to advance. A jeep has also been destroyed. 

German situation on Move Sixteen

                                           NEW ADDITION, AUSTRALIAN JEEP PROJECT

Popped into my local collectables shop recently. Found a broken Dinky jeep for £2. Spent another £2 on four Airfix figures, and £2.50 on another broken vehicle just to utilise the steering wheel. Constructed some baggage from milliput and a piece of wood. It was never going to be a perfect miniature, but it is a fun piece for the gaming table. Will serve with my Far-Eastern British Empire Forces.

Original shop condition had layers of green paints.

Paint stripped and repaired tow hook.

Inspirational photos, for educational purposes

SOME ACW FIGURES!

I picked these up in the collectables shop for £3. No actual plans to use them, or convert them, but still happy to have them. I will be replacing any missing weaponry.

ANOTHER AIRCRAFT FOR THE COLLECTION

Could not resist this auction find. It's another one of those repro tin aircraft, but made for 'Fantastic & Co', and in some very distinctive colours. I now have four aircraft in the collection. The cost was £8.69 including delivery.

MGB

REPLYING TO COMMENTS FROM FRIENDS

Hello Donnie. Chris and I are very much enjoying the game, even if we choose to play just a move or two before returning to other things. Only four more moves before we call time, not looking good for my American force, they must secure some territory across the river.

Cheers Roger. The local collectables shop has been a wonderful source for projects, and the owner often helps me with the price. He has mentioned on several occasions, pleased to see some of the damaged toys turned into 'attractive' models. 

Hi Tony. The original auction just showed the unopened box! Now I knew what it contained, and I wanted it, lol.

Hello MJT. I think they decided to go inside their house after a tank round hit the outside of the building, so still ok, lol. I also moved several others as Chris forgot to evacuate them. You see, I'm a kind soul. Forgot to mention, I have successfully destroyed about twenty sandbags.

Thanks Brad, the game has been fun, just four more moves to conclude. Having completed the jeep, tempted to raise a company or two of Australian infantry to serve with it. I am well chuffed with the plane, a bold, retro looking toy for the gaming table.