Fighting in Strelsau (WARGAME) and Painted Projects

Reports have just been received that on Wednesday, October 9, at 2pm, gunfire was heard on the outskirts of the city of Strelsau, the capital of Ruritania. 

During the previous night posters had appeared calling on the city residents to support Prince Michael's army in their campaign to remove Prince Rudolph's administration. 

Although Prince Rudolph had made no counter statement, his military commander, Colonel Sapt {also spelt Zapt) announced a curfew would apply from 6pm to 6am. Any residents found on the streets during such hours would be severely punished. 

Previously, at 1pm, a train had arrived at Strelsau railway station, and Prince Rudolph disembarked. The Prince had subsequently gone on to inspect the store of provisions in a local tavern. 

Troops, loyal to this prince, had already been seen about the capital, constructing barricades at several key locations. We are further informed that soldiers had also occupied St. Etheldreda's Church, something which was not well received by the local population. 

The following photographs were taken from Mr Ferdinand von Zeppelin's 'lighter than air' transportation. These photographs clearly show forces loyal to Prince Michael had entered the city suburbs.

Prince Michael and Count Rupert are clearly visible in this photograph.

THE GAME

MOVE ONE Prince Michael's troops advanced. MOVE TWO Rudolph's military band fired a cannon, scoring a hit on the Buff Regiment. MOVE THREE They fired again with a hit on Michael's artillery crew. MOVE FOUR Michael's artillery scored a revenge hit. MOVE FIVE Yes, another D6 took out a second of Rudolph's artillerymen, and the survivor ran away. MOVE SIX Michael's troops continued to advance. MOVE SEVEN, EIGHT, NINE Occasional rifle shots from and at the church, but no casualties. Many were now skirmishing, and using cover.

Rudolph's White Guards trotted forward in move seven.

MOVE TEN A casualty to the Buff Regiment, but the artillery took down a White Guard. But Rudolph's Blue/White Regiment delivered a volley which halved Michael's cavalry, and they only just held on. They were obliged to subsequently retire.  MOVE ELEVEN A brave charge by the Blue/White Regiment faltered under the fire from the Grey/Crimson skirmishers.

Some largely ineffective fire occurred around the church.

MOVE TWELVE The Blue/White Regiment attempted a second charge, but a withering fire dropped them to half strength, and they routed. MOVE THIRTEEN Prince Michael personally lead the Grey/Crimson Regiment towards the now undefended railway station! I thought it appropriate to throw a dice to determine if the train would depart the station, it stayed, but staff and civilian supporters of Rudolph now fled the station. MOVE FOURTEEN The dice now favoured Michael, two more opponents went down. Unfortunately, his artillery was obliged to open up on the church, and with a D6 scored a hit. Rudolph now departed the field, escorted by Colonel Sapt and the White Guard.

MOVE FIFTEEN Prince Michael took the railway station, capturing both the train and Rudolph's automobile. The two regiments still operating about the church were now facing two opposing regiments, and artillery. With no ability to take out the latter...... they wisely chose to retire! GAME OVER

                  The artillery piece firing on the church now gave the advantage to Michael's troops.

Prince Michael seized his spoils!

A very enjoyable two hours gaming, and a chance to put loads of buildings on the table. Games are always more interesting with buildings to fight over. Casualties were 14 for Rudolph, with seven more routing, Michael's totalled only six. Less than ninety soldiers were involved. For the record, battle losses from artillery totalled five. I thought Prince Rudolph was going to win on move eleven, but the small arms fire from the Grey/Crimson Regiment twice broke an enemy charge, and secured the day. 

                                          PAINTING PROJECTS (from the Exeter show)

Have been working on the new figures acquired at the Exeter Toy Fair. First up are the medieval Herald archers. The three converts (in more ways than one) have allowed me to complete a Saracen-Ottoman bow unit of twelve. Milliput having altered their principal garments.

I am very pleased with this elegant knight, just a little bit of paintwork, and a coat of varnish, it has made a fine dismounted commander. And two more archers are drafted.

Next up are some 19th century additions. My Royal Marines artillerymen now have a sergeant.

Combining some Victorian artillerymen with four I already had, discovered they actually represented two distinct corps. By mix and match, and some repainting, the nine figures have furnished a Royal Artillery garrison crew for my siege mortar.

While the remaining figures now represent the Royal Horse Artillery, in stable jackets and pillbox hats.

Obviously, artillery figures will be used as required, but I like linking my crews to actual guns in my armies. It makes the collection seem more complete.

Here are some more figures recently acquired from Exeter. These two have been given a tidying up. The ACW artillery officer will be useful in several period conflicts.

These old Crescent Arabs have been given a full paint job.

This W. Britains lead Zouave has been paint stripped, repaired and repainted.

Two French Foreign Legion figures have been repainted and drafted into my second battalion. This wargame unit accepts recruits from various manufacturers...... which seems rather appropriate.

Old Crescent

Old Lone Star

OTHER PAINTED PROJECTS

Decided to clear some odd spares by raising a unit of American irregulars. Quite a few different makes here.

Converted another spare Timpo confederate into a mid 19th century naval figure, this gives me two gun crews of four.

MGB

REPLYING TO FRIENDS COMMENTING

Hello Brad. I was planning to just upload the recent projects completed. But with several buildings already on the table, it was time to fight a wargame. Despite only ninety figures, it flowed like a large scale battle. At least twice I thought Rudolph was about to score a victory. Well, replacing the heads on some very cheap, Chinese-made, ww2 infantry has furnished a fun collection. 

That is very kind, Donnie. I too get pleasure in seeing the figures is use, and how many more I can record as repaired. I must admit, I sometimes look in horror at what paintbrush errors I've made. And later go back and tidy them up a bit more, lol. Those Zouaves deserve some time and effort, they have an old-school magic about them!

Thanks Roger. The game was fast flowing and fun to play, I think the scenario and terrain are the most important features in a game. I actually swapped six Britains cowboys towards the Victorian gun crews. If you want some scenarios involving cowboys, don't rule out the classic western movie THE BIG COUNTRY 1958. And also TOMBSTONE 1993, you will need to milliput red sashes for the bad guys.

Thank you, Quinn, I thought you might find it of interest. As I mentioned to Roger, the scenario made this game great fun. Yes, the two cavalry units and the staff officers are the only metal figures in the collection, but worth the time and investment. It's another link with the 1952 film, and they had to be represented. But I did take a liberty by including the vintage car, lol.

Hello Mark. As you know, my collection is very strongly tied to the uniforms in the 1952 film, but I have raised a few of the Black Guard, which appear in the 1937 version. I hope to increase this unit. The general view is the earlier film is closer to the original book, but they often overlook the 1952 is an attempt to combine two books, The P.of Z., and the sequel, Rupert of Hentzau. But both films are magical, and full of great character actors!