Cim's Warfare in 15mm

New Galleries at WAR in 15mm!

2011-10-08T15:31:00.000-07:00

I ran into Richard from WAR in 15mm today at Brookhurst Hobbies. Richard's outstanding WAR in 15mm is a jaw dropping gallery of 15mm miniature diorama's through different periods of warfare. You may remember his Samurai & Bocage 44' galleries, among others.

I was pleased to learn that he has since added two new galleries "MEDIEVAL CASTLE SIEGE IN 15MM/THE CALL FOR SURRENDER, " and "GERMANY 1945." He is also working on a new project which I hope will be finished before the end of the year.

I was able to talk with him at length about some of his techniques and preferences and it is amazing the amount of foot work and planning that goes into each new gallery.

Check it out!
WAR in 15mm

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Have not posted in awhile obviously. I've been messing around with other hobbies but I do have some new painted miniatures to post once I finish the last in the set!

My Favorite Grenadiers

2011-04-07T17:56:00.000-07:00

These grenadiers were painted by Louie. I took these photos late in the afternoon which created a little too much light saturation for this army. Here is the complete command team with 2 platoons.

When in command, cross your arms and bring your favorite guard dog 'muffy.' Then you don't need to say anything twice!

Udo irritated everyone by pointing out their targets even though the enemy was in plain sight! He wore camouflage and nobody noticed him until the pointing had been done.

Here is the optional 8.8 cm Raketenwerfer 43, aka 'puppchen'. They gave these to infantry squads who really wanted to fire anti-tank rockets at enemy armor. At some point a crafty engineer figured out that, "Hey! Lose the wheels and we can carry these AT grenades!" After 3,000 units had been created it was history.

Generalmajor Rommel!

2011-02-25T12:42:00.000-08:00

Battlefront's release (GE892) of General Erwin Rommel recently arrived and having a chance at a few games soon, I quickly painted him up! The all too exciting piece of terrain in the background is affectionately called the 'turd' at my gaming table. Yes, it is part of an egg carton! If a little more time is spent I can get some highlighting in and perhaps darken some of the recesses better.

Imageshack did not allow me to direct link these, I guess they have changed their policy on anonymous uploading, Sorry!

Clash of Shields! AAR

2011-02-17T22:22:00.001-08:00

Today I taught my Dad how to play Commands & Colors Ancients. I have found the Roman/Syracusan side usually easier to play for a beginner with the larger quantity of heavy infantry helping a new comer stay in the game. For first timers I find the first scenario, 'The Battle of Akragas - 406 BC' a good entry battle. My Dad is a quick study and before long we found our armies spinning the front line in a counter-clockwise direction as both our right flanks moved forwards as our left flanks gave. I had been holding my 'Clash of Shields' card since near the start waiting for a 'line command' card to show so I could set it up. When it did come my forces pushed all his units back sparing him the onslaught of the card at mid-game. Finally, after his right flank moved forward to challenge my weakening left flank, a trade-off of several units ended his turn with each side having 3 of the 5 banners needed for victory. He had Dionysus holding the flank after an early charge and he moved the flank up to challenge the small line I held under Himilco's leadership. Dionysus broke the line himself curving backwards around his own line stopping near the center-right divide. In the following turn he would be in range to attack a single chariot I had held in safety in the rear-center. His flank attack was successful as noted above but he took heavy casualties in a trade-off leaving two units in the right side. One light unit containing a single block. One auxilia containing two blocks. I had the numbers advantage with Himilco commanding three auxilia blocks and a 4 block auxilia on his right. It was time to play the 'Clash of Shields' card. The two additional dice per unit leaves little to imagine what happened next to those 3 remaining enemy blocks. There was a surprise at the end of the game as my Dad showed me his probable next card that he just pulled from the deck, "I am Spartacus!"

SPI Infomercial

2011-02-01T11:29:00.000-08:00

Found this interesting youtube link at a site I visit.

French 25mm SA-34 Hotchkiss Anti-tank Gun

2010-11-26T15:09:00.000-08:00

Here they are! The only artillery I could get my hands on at the time for the French. The 25mm SA-34 was brought into service in 1934 and some were used by other countries like Germany and Finland.

The Invasion of North America That Never Was!

2010-11-21T13:42:00.000-08:00

Check this link out. Found this in my e-mail. Interesting.

The invasion of North America that never was!

Saturday's Failed OOB

2010-10-13T22:08:00.000-07:00

I decided to post my OOB for Saturday's Flames of War game. There were two OOB's ready to use against the Germans. My initial OOB was the Escadron de Combat. I had enough units painted to make a Compagnie de Combat and I fell for all the heavy metal upfront OOB. So here's the list in all it's faded glory...

All units Confident / Trained

HQ Platoon:
Capitaine:Char B-1 bis -- 185 pts

Combat Platoons:
(3) Renault Char B-1 bis -- 550 pts
(3) Hotchkiss H-39's -- 160 pts
1 Long, 2 Short guns
(3) Hotchkiss H-39's -- 205 pts
3 Long guns

Supporting Platoons:
(4) Somua S-35's -- 415 pts
Total -- 1515 pts

With hindsight's lesson in mind, I would drop the 160 point light tank platoon and take a deep reconnaissance platoon which is (4) Panhard AMD-35's. This would drop my points under 1500 too. These armored cars do not have the 'one-man turret' plague which forced my tanks to choose between shooting or moving in a turn. I would not have guessed to use the Panhard's for a lightning strike at the offset but it would have become fairly obvious at some point that it would be the only AFV that could bring fire on the target in one turn rather than two. With an escort of one of the tank platoons it becomes much better odds for both of course. Another option that may need to be done in the future is too drop either the Battle Tank platoon or the Support S-35's to get a gun that can smoke. This was sorely missed beyond anything else.

This is a classic example of the battle being won or lost before the battle begins. My original list, a bloated steel colossus, would have fared well in a defensive posture, but in no means a mobile attacking one where the opponent has guns that can shoot harder and farther.

St. Crispin's Hobby Day

2010-10-09T21:35:00.000-07:00

I was able to attend St. Crispin's Hobby Day today and finally give my newly painted French a run. I have the Escadron De Combat finished but I bought some Char B-1's and had them ready as well.

We were going to have 5 lists on the board. Two German lists played by Brian & Tim, My French, Dave's light British Tank and Finally Alex's light British Tank. The Allies fielded 1500 point lists. Since I had the Char's now, I changed my list to the Compagnie De Combat which is a French Tank Company. This gave me four platoons for a total of 14 units. Six light tanks, 4 medium tanks and 4 battle tanks. My company, being of more solid units took the center, with Dave on the left and Alex on the right side. The Germans setup with Brian on our left and Tim on the right. The middle of the board on the German side was basically empty in the center except for 2 8.8cm FlaK18 Sfl's and a mortar platoon tucked away in a field of tall grass. On the allies right side of the board near the center line several roads converged to make the one agreed upon 'crossroads' objective. Tim's pioneer's, Stug's, Pak's, and Brian's two Panzer II platoons deployed here. Alex had all his units deployed here on the right too and I staggered the Samou S-35 platoon with one Hotchkiss platoon behind them to cover S-35 flanks. This right hand side of the board had the majority of units near the crossroads objective.

The initial plan for my units was to take the Char B-1's & covering Hotchkiss platoon up the center and take out the two 8.8's. Whatever units would remain could seal the left hand side of the board from entering onto the heavily contested right side. Dave's German units would initially engage on the left but would eventually cross through the British and then French in to the right half. The idea was to have a numerically superior force on the right side with my battle tank platoon sealing off the center from Dave's units there. Alex had some recon units on the right side. They were deployed on a road that intersected a forest area. Coming out of the forest, there was a grass field that was just short of the halfway point of the board. By staying on this road, cover was close, and it was within quick reach of the crossroads. That was the plan.

Things started off very well for the allies. The luck of the dice were unbelievable the first two turns. 5 out of the first 6 rolls yielded a '6' which is what is often needed to hit a German unit or destroy it on a firepower test. The first Stuka air strike was intercepted. Alex's Matilda's took out a few PZII's. The Germans were not having good luck on their rolls. The long distance 88's had 6 shots on the Char's of which only two hit. One hit destroyed one Char, the other went without effect because of a good save roll. The Char B-1's have a range of 24" and with the 'one man turret rule' it slowly became apparent how tough it is to play against some 88's with some field between you. The French tanks had not fired a shot yet having to move into range.

In the next few turns the light British tankers made valiant attacks on the Germans, bailing tanks and Dave raking out some infantry on the left side. Alex had managed to push back the PZII's near the crossroads but the Stuka's started to show. The Germans had smoked the S-35's and the allied 'steel colossus' center had yet to get a shot off on the 8.8's while being slowly picked apart by Brian's attack rolls. Dave was able to pin and pepper the 88's a few times but to no avail. The French were unable to harass the 88's in the grass to any degree.

After the Germans incredible turn 4 where they put the Char B-1 platoon out of the game, bailed 4 French tanks, destroyed multiple British light tanks and carriers, and basically turned the balance of destruction to their favor it appeared a hopeless situation for the French. Another round was played as the French were able to regain their vehicles but Dave's platoons had been badly hammered by Tim's P4's on the left the round before. We debated on calling the game but we finished the round with the French Tankers having a harassment free attack. Horrible rolls did nothing to the 88's which made the center unattainable with Pz4's and a couple of Stug's also watching the road now. It became apparent that some AT guns might have helped the allied list but we didn't have them in our possession.

The game was called and rightfully so as The Germans held the objective with a large numerical advantage. The French were still strong having regained entry to their tanks but with all the German firepower still on the board it might have been just a matter of a few rounds.

I am not sure what the German strategy was, it may not have mattered as the two 88's crushed any allied ambition at flanking the objective coming from the left hand of the board.

It was a fun game and also showed that the French tanks need to trust their thick armor and move out quickly to avoid giving the opposition as few free attack rounds as possible.

Steve's Panzer III's

2010-10-08T13:11:00.001-07:00

Louie's Panzer III!

2010-10-08T12:51:00.000-07:00

A Valuable Lesson About Your Malfunctioning Spray Can!

2010-10-06T22:19:00.000-07:00

I use Black Armory Primer because it's cheap and it was advised to me as a worthy primer. On several occasions I have had a can go bad, & one time a brand new one refused to work.

Tonight while painting some Char B1 tanks my half used can stopped flowing mid run.
It had become clogged! I pulled the nozzle off and cleaned out the black gloop residing in the nozzle. It had already blackened from previous use where the nozzle is supposed to line-up with the rusty brown stripe on the can itself.

I tried it again and nothing came out. Assuming it was the nozzle I took it of and dropped it in a jar of thinner. I warmed up the can just slightly, shook it really well and hoped all these attempts would get the spray working. Nay!

I then checked the net hoping someone might have a solution for the this as I know I am not the only one to have a can of primer block up on me. Sure enough, many complaints and no fixes. I did get some good advise such as after using the primer hold the can upside down and keep spraying until it is clear propellant coming out so that you can be sure the nozzle is not backed up with paint.

I could not find an answer. I had a can of matte finish that was virtually used up. I popped off the nozzle from this can and I was lucky enough to have the exact same nozzle on it. I placed this new nozzle on the can and it started spraying immediately. Needless to say, I held the can upside down afterwards to clean it out and I will also keep a few extra nozzle's lying around after this experience.

Japanese Type 97 Te-Ke Tankette

2010-10-03T15:11:00.000-07:00

Here are seven reconnaissance Type 97 Te-Ke Tankette's for use by the IJA infantry divisions. This tank had the new diesel engine, dropped the traditional rear turret machine gun found on most Japanese tanks, and replaced a forward turret machine gun with a 37mm gun. This tank replaced all Type 94's by 1939.

These tanks are from the Peter Pig Miniature line.
After washing and getting off the flash it's time for the Black Armory primer.

Here is how they looked after the airbrushing. I used Vallejo Khaki #988 as the base color.

This is where it gets hard. What colors to use? I could find only a few picture's for example's and virtually no information on painting this tank.

I chose these Vallejo colors:
Khaki #988
Luftwaffe Camo Green #823 mixed with 1/3-1/4 with Flat Yellow #953
Chocolate Brown #872

After this first round of painting I was not very confident I was going to be happy with the end result.

Here they come! I did not have any decals and struggled to find markings that I could use. I decided to go with the flag and that is it for now. I painted the bases with Dark Sand #847 in a quick manner and then added small areas of grass, rock, and even some tall grasses.

Here's a side view which shows the added scenery elements better. I usually use Super Glue to lock the tanks down on a base but after having a hard time removing a unit that was fastened with regular Elmer's glue I decided to try that on these.

Steve's Stukas!

2010-10-03T15:02:00.000-07:00

These are the first aircraft I owned for FOW. They were painted by Steve at Brookhurst Hobbies. As you can see they were well painted and have a nice desert themed base.

Steve's Disclaimer: The color's used were for aesthetics not historical accuracy, such as the use of the yellow instead of white on the nose cone.

Battlefront's Panther A Platoon

2010-10-01T11:58:00.001-07:00

I completed this Panther A platoon some time ago. I used a dark wash on them and so they are of course...dark! I still liked the way they came out so I didn't sell them off.

Escadron De Combat Fin!

2010-09-22T18:27:00.000-07:00

This was a tough project to finish! I had to paint the tank markings which is not a strength! None of the vehicle's have historically correct colors or markings but an attempt was made to make them look reasonably French!

Here is a picture of the completed box ,"Escadron De Combat," moving into a village to prepare for Germany's invasion plans,"Case Yellow."

Panhard AMD-35
Here is where I learned that I cannot paint a diamond shape! Man, I spent some time just to get what you see here! It's not very noticeable but the open hatch being used by the commander is not "Escardon De Combat" certified. I was shorted a hatch and had to create my own. These are cool AFV's, I like them. Sort of reminds me of a Boarhound.

Did you notice something peculiar here? There is more to the back focus for those with a discerning eye. Notice one of the guns is quite different and less appealing. I had to make my own again as I was shorted one gun from the box!

Hotchkiss H-39's
Oooohh those horrible painted markings! Of the two tank commanders here, one of them is actually supposed to be riding a S-35 but I liked that sculpt, so there he is!

Somua S-35's
The camouflage colors used were those from the Blitzkrieg book with the German Cam. Black Brown lining. The lining is always a quarter-flip call at the start but I am happy with it. They are not all painted with a scheme from one company. Each tank is a little different. In the company photo above it's hard to see from the angle but the S-35 on the bottom has it's back hatch open.

I encountered three problems on this project.

1. No decals are provided in the box deal and if you cannot find them at your local game store from another manufacturer as I couldn't, then you have an arduous task ahead of you.

2. I was shorted an AMD-35 gun and forced to create my own.

3. I was shorted an AMD-35 hatch for the roof and had to create my own.

I can appreciate getting into some of the modeling, and I am sure Battlefront would send me the missing parts. Yet, it sure is a drag when you are knee deep in your project, moving along and having to stop your progress to figure out how to make a piece.

The positive:

1. I happened to be in the right place at the right time and scored this box set on what was supposed to be the official release date.

2. The quality of the units is real good. Especially liked the detail on the Hotchkiss's.

French S-35 Somua's

2010-09-16T14:25:00.000-07:00

I might have to re-take these pictures. Too Dark! The local game store was out of decals so the markings needed to be hand painted. No easy task. Both of these tanks have a filthy wash on them, I don't like that new tank smell!

Battlefront Miniatures Version

Peter Pig Version

Escadron de Combat WIP!

2010-09-16T13:54:00.000-07:00

I happened to be in the right place at the right time and scored a French Tank Squadron box set titled, "Escadron de Combat." It came with 7 Somua S-35's, 7 Hotchkiss H-35's (or 39 configured), and 5 Panhard AMD-35 armoured cars. Apparently, I may have scored the first box set in CA, which was first shown at a local con I missed, then taken back to the store. I happened to notice it sitting on the counter and it being release day figured I was good to go. At check out I learned of this box's minor significance and decided I must try and complete it first too!

Wash & Flash. I like the sculps on these. I could be wrong but it seems there is a finer detail on the tracks here. Very nice! (Not pictured, sorry)

Primed

Now here is the first disappointment I came across. I was shorted one of the guns for a Panhard. Rather than fret I figured I might be able to quickly assemble something similar enough to pass. I took one of the guns that I believe was for a Hotchkiss and cut it down to use as the co-ax machine gun. You can see in the middle of the shot what a full size gun looked like with how much I decided to use next to it. I then took an allied gun that may have been from a Sherman and chopped it down quite a bit.One problem was getting the co-ax to stick to the turret. I had to use a lot of glue and outside of that I am happy with the results. May need to sand some of that down later.

The finished fix-up. If only I had some Green Stuff!

My airbrush weaponry. I love this thing. I clean it before every use. I dont have much of a technique worth passing along but I do add some windex to the paint which I picked up from one of the many skilled painters from the FOW gallery. The airbrush is a Paasche Talon. Well worth the $100 I spent on it a few years ago.

Ready to blast with Gunship Green!

Results

Now for the second disappointment. There are no decals! Dowp! I have to get out my fine detail brush and do my own markings. Joy!

More to come! Will be displaying a painted Peter Pig Somua & a FOW Somua for comparison. By the way, you can see the mutant Panhard. Did you notice it?

Check out this Site!

2010-09-12T17:25:00.000-07:00

I see Richard occasionally at Brookhurst Hobbies. I've spoken with him a few times and one thing that can be said about his painting ...well check it out yourself! Linky. Be sure to read the background page too!

Pictures of Lily!

2010-09-12T16:59:00.000-07:00

I have a few miniatures that I own that someone else has painted. This tiger named 'Lily' was painted by Louie at Brookhurst Hobbies. I have quite a few of these by Louie and his brother Steve so you can search for them on the bar on the right by name.

!Sarcasm!
By the way, this should count as charity work as anyone can see the slop above is in no comparison to my beautiful art pieces. Sure, Louie might go the extra mile and get out some green stuff or tin foil and make some pretty flags so he doesn't bomb his own units in game. I don't bomb my own units!

* Will add a top down view of this excellent tank here soon.

Update!

Hedley Lamarr, "Lily! Lily! Lily!...."

Hetzer's in the grass!

2010-09-10T21:01:00.000-07:00

I debated on cutting the grass down. It's still up in the air. Perhaps comments after a time will help decide it.

I have found that whatever I use to seal these mini's is very key. Most seem to darken and even though a can might be a flat rather than a gloss I still find some brands putting a delicate shine on things, such as these Hetzer's.

Hetzer's are a cool lil' unit. The Osprey book is interesting, check it out!

Just the one picture.

My Favorite WW2 Movie Characters

2010-09-07T15:06:00.000-07:00

I just find these characters interesting to watch. They may not be the toughest, a lead role, or even on screen for more than a few minutes.

1. Capt. Wild Bill Kelso - John Belushi, 1941
2. Hollis P. Wood - Slim Pickens, 1941
3. Philip Thomsen - Otto Sander, Das Boot
4. Big Joe - Telly Savalas, Kelly's Heroes
5. SS Colonel Hans Landa - Christoph waltz, Inglorius Basterds
6. Crapgame - Don Rickles, Kelly's Heroes
7. Papa Boule - Michael Simon, The Train
8. Capt.-Lt. Henrich Lehmann-Willenbrock - Jürgen Prochnow, Das Boot
9. Major König - Ed Harris, Enemy at the Gates
10. Col. Nicholson - Alec Guinness, The Bridge on the River Kwai
11. Maj. Gen. Colt - Carrol O'Connor, Kelly's Heroes
12. Koulikov - Ron Perlman, Enemy at the Gates

British Churchill's

2010-09-05T16:13:00.000-07:00

There is a story with this first Churchill. I opened this package and prepared to wash & de-flash. After mutilating the packaging that is when I noticed that I had 2 left track pieces! Doh! I was fairly sure my hobby store would have honored the sale but I decided to try something first. Thus, this camouflage is dual purpose!

British Cromwells & Firefly's

2010-09-05T16:09:00.001-07:00

More LW Brit Pics

2010-09-05T15:59:00.001-07:00

Late War British Infantry

2010-09-02T13:25:00.001-07:00

This is the only picture that came out of this group. In one of the center mini's I tried to show a poster blowing down the street. the poster ends up looking rather rigid and in truth it is. the poster has withheld a game's worth of abuse & I didn't think it would even last that long.

J.O.E. Vandeleur, FOW Mini

2010-09-02T12:26:00.001-07:00

From the Flames of War Hell's Highway book.

I did not notice until I posted this picture that the decal needs a trim!

Beginner's FOW: Why's everything white?

2010-08-31T11:03:00.000-07:00

Did your early Flames of War games have that primered look? As you can see....mine did! I found these pictures in my FOW directory today while searching for some unit pics.

The Russian 'Quality of Quantity' lines up for the rush. Even in the pre-painted primer days you could not fit a complete 1500 point Russian list on the table!

Here is the defensive line the Germans have created to stop the Russians from taking the beloved 'Cardboard Bridge.' I wonder if the bridge will hold a crossing T-34? Barn doors on each side of the exit and a Tiger running flank!

Ready to start!

Appears one of the 88's might have spoiled the T-34's plan of crossing the bridge and now we'll never know if it would have held! The Russians have holed up in a ruin across the bank. I cannot remember how this panned out but I would have to believe the crossing failed. The German HMG's by the bridge seem unchallenged. I don't see a mortar to pin them anywhere and with 2 88's and a Tiger in the vicinity, no armor thrust will last more than a turn or two.

Jagdpanthers!

2010-08-30T22:14:00.000-07:00

This may well be as good as it gets from me. My painting is mostly functional, I do not always have my units historically marked correctly either. This time I was more consistent on these two JagdPanthers and for once I am not too ashamed to post them.

I do not have those ravaged houses that come with the Jagdpanthers box completed yet so I will post those pics up soon as I am happy with those. For now my JP's will have to use more traditional forms of ambush!

Spartans WIP

2010-08-30T14:04:00.001-07:00

Here are some more pictures of my "300ish" Spartans. As the title says, these mini's are still a work in progress.

One of these guys will have to play the part of Leonidas!

Over the heads, not in the backs!

This here, is some light cavalry. Even lighter because it is sans spear at the moment.

This picture came out too dark and the one on the far right kind of reminds me of one of the Planet of the Apes gorillas.

Slingers up front!

Here they all are in a parade ground formation. Cheese!

As of right now for fielding these mini's for Field of Glory, I have one BG of MD Foot, a half BG of LT Cavalry, One C&C, one sub commander, part of a regular Cavalry, one BG of Archers (Lt foot), one BG of slingers.

For Commands & Colors:Ancients I need some more archers & slingers, a few more horse.

For DBA I believe I am ready to go.

Athenians

2010-08-30T02:11:00.001-07:00

This was the first batch of non-modern 15mm military miniatures that I bought. I do not know which company made them but there is quite a quality gap there compared to the Xyston Spartans. The next picture has a pencil infront of the line to give a reference to their size.

Spartans

2010-08-30T02:00:00.000-07:00

This was the first painted group of my Spartan Army. It's two years later and they are still incomplete. I have many more Spartans completed now & I will update this army with a new picture soon. They are Xyston Mini's.

I intend to use these 15mm Spartans in Field of Glory. I have individually based them so that I can use them for Commands & Colors:Ancients too.

Hawker Hurricane

2010-08-29T15:41:00.000-07:00

These Hurricane's came in the 1/144th scale, 6 piece model kit I bought on discount from Brookhurst Hobbies. Perfect! For around $20 I received 18 aircraft! I've used these in one game of FOW where I believe they pinned many a German soldier!

These will also work nicely in a game of Check Your 6!

P51D Mustangs

2010-08-29T15:32:00.000-07:00

These P51's are still in the painting garage. I've figured out what scheme I am going to use but unlike some other planes I have done, I am thinking of going for some of the smaller details on these.

These models were taken from a 1/144th ARII scale model kit that had 6 different aircraft from WW2 in it. When those are finished I will post them too.

The nice thing about the scale of these is that I can use them in other games such as Check Your 6! IF oyu have not tried Check Your 6! yet you must find yourself a game. Great Fun!

Mid-War Monsters: Boarhound I Armoured Car

2010-08-29T14:45:00.000-07:00

Here are my Boarhounds complete with a visible layer of grit! This was a fun project as these experimental vehicles grew on me as I completed them. Quite a strong gun (57mm) on a quick unit.

Mid-War Monsters: TOG 2!

2010-08-29T14:35:00.000-07:00

This is my attempt at the TOG 2. I used the airbrush and with little imagination copied the scheme in the FOW book. Have not had a chance to play with these yet.

Finally!

2010-08-29T14:07:00.000-07:00

I've been wanting to start a blog to share pictures of some of my units I have painted and the occasional house rule I write. I first had these thoughts about 6 months ago. I am a real go-getter! I have a few games that I use 15mm miniatures with but I will also cover board games too. The first war game that I believe I ever played was that classic paper and pencils stick-man game you might play at your school library as a kid. You know the one, where your run your stick figure guys around with dashes and then shoot by either making a dot on the backside of the paper and transferring it, or push down hard on the pencil as it slashes a bullet line across the paper in hopes of intersecting an opponents stick-man? Those were some desperate attempts at finding amusement. My brother acquired a copy of Tactics II and that was probably my first war gaming experience. I still have a copy myself. Years went by as I owned small games like OGRE, played computer games, but basically dropped war games all together.

One day while at the local FLGS, I came across some interestingly well painted miniatures @ 15mm for a WW2 game. This game was Flames of War which opened me back up to war gaming on the table. Now I have gone back and acquired some of the games that I was always curious about. With this blog I hope to spark some interest in the hobby and perhaps entertain a little along the way!