A few weeks ago we decided to hold an impromptu socially distanced game before the Powers that Be extended the lockdown to prohibit meetings of more than one household again. These are strange times. The 2 metre wide table and a few other simple measures ensured that proper social distancing was observed, it's not difficult when there's a will and common sense prevails.
Scenario One, Pitched Battle, was selected from OHW and toys suitable to the Crimean War were quickly garnered together. The scenario called for a minimal terrain, the British drew units of infantry, skirmishers and cavalry while the Russians were favoured with infantry, cavalry and artillery! Here's how it went:
Without any artillery the Brits had little option other than to pitch straight into the attack before the Russian guns ground them down. "Into the Valley etc. etc."
Threatened on the flank, the Cossacks charge home but are bounced off by the doughty Dragoons of the Heavy Brigade, an immediate counter attack sees the Cossacks dispersed and routed.
Russian regular Infantry and Rifles wheel about to enfilade the advancing British line, they deliver a devastating volley that shatters a Regiment on the English right.
The thin red line holds and delivers it's own volley, both sides are now taking punishment and the British skirmishers have been brushed aside. Here the British deploy their long range measuring tape.
The Battle began to pivot as the British faltered on their left but made gains on the right, at this point honours were even and it was still anybody's game.
Having seen off the Cossacks the redoubtable Dragoons followed through and rode down a Regiment of Infantry, only to flounder beneath the Russian guns on the ridge. The withering Russian fire now began to tell and the British attack ground to a halt.
The game lasted 8 moves, probably the quickest we've played, usually we go the full 15 rounds, but at least we got a game in, it was good to see toy soldiers back on the table and who knows when the next game will be?
The poor old Dragoons, "cannons to the left of them, cannons to the right of them!". A nice looking game Brian with nice looking soldiers.
ReplyDeleteRegards,
Paul.
Thanks Paul, it's the first time I've tried the Crimea and old Britains hollow casts seem to fit the bill well, being all busbies and scarlet tunics.
DeleteGreat looking game Brian. I particularly like the Cossacks.
ReplyDeleteThanks Alan, the Cossacks came from the collection of John Ruddle, they've all been heavily repaired and repainted by John in the Britains style but you'd hardly tell them apart form the originals.
DeleteA small but enjoyable game with friends beats a great many other ways to spend an hour or too.
ReplyDeleteMark me down as another fan of those Cossacks.
And never needed more so than now! You might also have noticed a few of your old veterans trudging across the table.
DeleteI did but I hate to be like the proud Dad waving from the bleachers :)
DeleteThey'll always be your babies Ross.
DeleteLovely pics Brian!
ReplyDeleteThanks MJT, it's nice to be able to share the fun.
DeleteLove viewing these games, particularly when you use your Russian collection.
ReplyDeleteMichael
Thanks Michael, I felt the Russians were overdue for an airing.
DeleteAnother excellent post Brian! Your figure variety is amazing! Picture #2 reminded me of a classic H. G. Wells game! The Deetail highlanders and AIP figures provided a glimpse into the evolution of the 54mm plastic wargame figure! And the best part is that they all work perfectly together! Well done!!
ReplyDeleteBrad, I am always impressed at how photogenic Brian's 54mm collections are!
DeleteThanks Brad, variety is the spice of life, and if you don't mix wildly differing makes in the same unit you can get away with a lot of artistic licence.
DeleteAs your defeated foe I thoroughly enjoyed the game Brian, many thanks. As always the hospitality Chez Carrick was first class! When on earth will we next be able to get a game in, I wonder?
ReplyDeleteWe really must try one of those skypey type things that all the youngsters are raving about!
DeleteWonderful figures Brian with fine pedigrees. Thank you for sharing.
ReplyDeleteThanks Mark, sharing is half the fun!
DeleteBeautiful stuff! I wish I had that much space to game. :)
ReplyDeleteThanks Stephen, we used to game on the carpet or the lawn, we can still get down there but getting back up isn't so easy! Nowadays it's a case of find a big table or no game.
DeleteI just stumbled upon your excellent blog. So much good stuff for we collectors of the "Big Guys"! I too am collecting 54mm figures for the Crimean War, and your collection opens up a lot more possibilities. Thank you!
ReplyDeleteThanks Nick, I'm a big fan of your posts on the PMCD Mobilisatie blog
DeleteThank you. I knew your name was familiar! I am trying to find suitable 54mm Crimean War Russian cavalry figures that don't cost an arm and a leg. Do you know if the round, fur Caucasian hat/helmet is available as a spare head from any suppliers? I figure I can swap the head onto any number of old hollow cast Britains to make Cossacks. I am kicking myself for not discovering your blog earlier! I love your wide range of periods and interests.
ReplyDeleteNick, if Brian will forgive me for butting in, Mike Lewis of Imperial Miniatures has a metal 54mm Crimean Range from the old Dorset Model Soldiers line that is bound to have spare parts (www.imperialminiatures.co.uk).
DeleteThe Russian rifles in pictures 1 and 3 are made from Call to Arms ACW with replacement Britains Cossack heads from Dorset Soldiers, and as Anthony says they are still available. Most of my late 19th/early 20th Century armies are made from cheap plastic toy soldiers (BMC/Airfix) with metal head from Dorset.
DeleteThanks, Anthony and Brian! I ordered a unit of the Cossack cavalry from Dorset and I've got some Irregular Russian heads on order for infantry head swaps. It's kind of crazy, because I have a large collection for the Crimean War in 1/72 plastics, but seeing the photos of Brian's game pushed me over the edge for doing the period in 54mm as well.
Deletewelcome to the madness! Apart from the Cossack heads Dorset also do two different heads in Russian flat brimless caps, a smaller one which is a copy of the original Britains hollowcast for repairing old figures and another of their own design which is larger and a better fit with larger 54mm figures. You can see examples of these in the report on the Battle of Astrakhan which is under the "Big Wars" link in the column on the right.
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