A naval night at NBHW!

So, it happened! A great game.

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Blood, Bilge and Iron Balls play test

I'm running the game on Friday, so this weekend with the aid of two young helpers (age 8 and 4) I play tested the rules, just using some counters with 2 74 gun ships on each side.

The rules play really well. They are easy to follow (and I've made a 2 sided play sheet to help) and are great fun with a very even game.

The two French ships, named 'Bastille' and 'France' by my son took on HMS Daisy and HMS Evie (named by my 4 year old daughter!) on a wind swept carpet floor.

The British had the luck early on, able to get in the first couple of broadsides which damaged several guns on the French side. The ships blasted away at each other, with the French managing to get in position for a bow rake, but then as the ships passed this was exchanged for a British stern rake the following turn.

Soon, there were fires galore, guns being destroyed on both sides, and repairs being hastily made. The French 'Bastille' was boarded by HMS Evie and captured. Finally La France boarded HMS Daisy, and just as she was about to be captured despite starting out with many more crew stars, HMS Evie arrived and boarded her in return. The battle played out, with HMS Evie being captured, but then HMS Daisy capturing La France, but with only one crew star left!

A close fought thing, and my kids certainly enjoyed playing it. I hope the chaps at the club do, too.

Isandlwana at NBHW

New Buckenham really is a great 'little' club for wargaming. I couldn't make it last week, but a little Isandlwana for a Friday evening?

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More Slovaks...

Another addition to the Slovak fast division, infantry company ready to go.

Friday night at NBHW

I ran the game this week - a refight of the battle for St Pierre 9-10 June 1944 using my Panzer Lehr and Durham Light Infantry figures. A smaller affair than normal for NBHW as the club are putting on a larger Saturday game tomorrow re fighting Plancenoit.

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Slovak 75mm gun

As part of my 'Rostov' project, I have started to collect some Slovak miniatures for the Slovak Mobile, or Fast, Division, who were important in the taking of the city. First up is a 75mm gun and crew, from RH models, although I think they may be Axal miniatures.

The Slovaks painted a blue band around their helmets and the slovak flag/cross on them to distinguish themselves from the Russians, who had similar uniforms.

I am quite excited about collecting this force as it is a little different and should look good on the table.