Workbench plans

So, the summer holidays are nearly upon us which will bring some more time for wargaming related shenanigans! I have a list of things I want to do over the next few weeks; I thought I would share them with you and then we will see how far i get! 

1. Finish the 3 British 74s on my workbench, preferably by the middle of next week! A tall order perhaps, they are not exactly 'nearly done'!

2. I have some ex-doormat ploughed field that I plan to give a wash and some used tea treatment to...

3. My Amera islands from Salute still need painting and flocking. I don't know if I will manage all 5, but getting a couple of them done would be nice. I am running a naval game at NBHW in a few weeks, so maybe use one of them then.

4. Then I have a few other terrain ideas I want to try. Lots of inspiration (including the used tea idea) from http://wargamingwithsilverwhistle.blogspot.co.uk/2013/01/making-haystacks-whilst-sun-shines.html, along with the haystacks, partly ploughed fields and allotments.

5. Maybe a few stacks, pillars and arches for my naval game?

6. Who knows what else will take my fancy or turn up? Strongpoints? Trees? Hedges? Buildings? 

Wargamers can be very fickle!

More ships!

So, it has been a busy few weeks, not least as a new baby has arrived! I have still managed to complete some ships, some for the Nile and some to sell on to buy the final few ships for the Nile!

Firstly, my small Spanish fleet, which I will sell on.

Left to Right, 64 gun 'Asia', 74 gun 'San Domaso', 112 gun 'Salvador Del Mundo' and of course the 140 gun Santissima Trinidad.

Next, a few ships for the Nile battle. Here we have HMS Zealous (with the characteristic yellow stripes), and HMS Minotaur (red with a black strake) both of which were 74s, and for something a bit different the 16 gun brig 'Mutine'.

HMS Zealous:

HMS Minotaur:

And HMS Mutine

More naval action at NBHW!

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Enjoy!

Diceni

Had a great time at Diceni in Norwich on Saturday. It's a great local show. 

Find out more at www.diceni.co.uk, the NBHW Facebook page or my mate Nigel's blog here:

http://nigelh-viewfromtheduckpond.blogspot.co.uk/2015/05/a-hot-date-with-boudi-diceni-2016.html?spref=fb

Next time I'll take some photos and do a proper blog! 

San Domaso and HMS Audacious

Two 74 guns finished now - the Spanish Ship San Domaso and HMS Audacious. Both are Skytrex models from Red Eagle Miniatures picked up at Salute. San Domaso is at the front here.

Hull colours are not known (to my knowledge) so I've used some artistic license with them. Spanish ships could often be black, while although it is likely Audacious was yellow at the Nile, it was one of the ships not noted and so, for some variety, thought a white ship would be a little different.

Although the models are Skytrex, the bases, ratlines and pennants are all Langton.

I hope to get them in action next week when I run another game at NBHW.

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.