Museum of Military History, Vienna.

These are some photographs I took on a holiday to Austria a few years ago. The visit took in The Heeresgeschichtliches Museum based at the rather imposing Vienna Arsenal. It boasts the largest collection of artillery pieces in Europe and is established on several floors. Each floor is dedicated to a particular period, with huge sections on the Napoleonic era, First World War, Second World War, Thirty Years and both the Austro-Prussian and Franco-Prussian Wars. It's easily a whole day affair and just walking between the rooms can mean long pauses as your eye catches large painted mural scenes from Military History hovering above you on the ceiling. Outstanding objects are things like Archduke Franz Ferdinand's car in which he was assassinated in (complete with bullet holes), and the blood stained uniform he wore on the day. Very tragic and moving in my opinion. The prices for entry are extremely good. More details here: http://www.hgm.or.at/

Saga Vikings - 28mm

These two hairy fellows are Heroes of the Dark Ages 28mm Vikings. I grabbed them from Colonel Bill's stand at the last Triples show. The rest of my Saga band are all Crusader miniatures, and these guys are slightly conspicuous due to their size, which I only realized once I got them home. After a bit of pondering I still intend to use them mixed in with the rest as they're not too bad. I like the variations of poses and they're good solid chunky figures. As a word of caution I probably wouldn't put them with Foundry models as they do really tower over them. Maybe they'd be ok in a separate warband however. As I've finished almost all of my French Indian Wars and Saga figures, I've just ordered my "Summer Project" - two large armies for the 1866 Austro Prussian War in 10mm. Photos on the way soon!!

More Woodland Indians 28mm

This post would have featured 28mm Roger's Rangers, had I not dropped several onto the concrete path (so they're back on the painting table getting a touch up). When I heard the clatter I had to bite my lip and adopt some zen style breathing control, so as not to upset the neighbours with a string of violent expletives. Anyway, I retreated back upstairs and instead I've included some more AW Miniatures Indians. After the game last week I noticed compared to Kev's multi-coloured War Party, mine definitely needed some 'prettying' up so to speak. Again the flesh is Vallejo Cavalry Brown with some white mixed highlights. The War paint is Vallejo Flat Red with Carmine Red highlight, and Vallejo Medium Blue respectively.

Muskets and Tomahawks 28mm Game

Last Wednesday's Club game photos. Myself and Russ played the British with Regulars, Rangers and Indians. Whilst Simon and Kev were the French with Canadian and Indian support. Our task was to burn the Indian village and nearby French compound. Theirs was to scout each of the 6 board sections (only one figure was necessary to enter each of the board area), which meant our task was by far the trickiest. As I was in control of the Indians and British Rangers we dashed forward using cover to set alight the first two Indian structures. Kev's own Indian defenders tried to make a flanking move through the trees when they saw the first whisps of smoke and got a hail of musket fire which drove them back. So far so good. However, to advance into the second part of the village meant crossing a cornfield (only light cover) and my indians paid dearly with two units breaking and fleeing when blasted from a treeline by approx. four units hiding there. The Rangers began a flanking move to flush them out but scarpered back into cover when a French Regular unit came marching into view. Using their sharpshooter skill they took down 90% of the regiment in quick succession. But unfortunately weren't quick to react when another hostile Indian unit managed to whip round and scout another board tile. Russ held on with his sturdy British line effectively dealing with the French near the compound, but again the Canadian forces used their cover to first hatchet a few of our men and gain another part of their victory conditions.

Battle of Ladonchamps 1870 - Franco Prussian War 10mm

Today our friend Mark came up from London to put on a large club game using his excellent Franco-Prussian 10mm figures, and his Hexon II hex terrain. Also in attendence was Paul from Kallistra Ltd who produces the latter. The scenario concerned the breakout plans of the French army from Metz, which were eventually downgraded to a 'giant raid' on farm complexes across their front which they suspected the Prussians were using as food stores. This was deemed essential by the French staff as most of their troops were beginning to starve.
The Prussian army were in a strong defensive position having thrown up earthworks and fortifications around the besieged area. However their weakness was in having mainly Landwehr forces strung out along the front and being caught by surprise by the opposition as they rolled forwards. In the real battle the French army were held in check, although at heavy cost. Today's game was no different. The French powered forwards proving their Chassepot rifles to be formidable at range, whilst the saviour of the Prussians happened to be their defensive structures and superior artillery.
The ruleset we used  ('1870' from Grand Tactical Rules) definitely emphasized these aspects. A lot of firepower and very, very bloody. The French in our scenario flung much of their force against the Prussian center whilst sending out divisions on either flank - one to cross the river and cut off the Prussian's communication with their other corps, and another through the forested and hilly area on the Prussian right. Both came very close to success, but were thrown back by fierce counter attacks. At one point the French flag flew briefly over the last of the farmhouses only to be surrounded and wiped out by a sea of Prussian Blue.
All in all, a fantastic day with lots of 'edge of your seat' moments.

Sons of Simon de Montfort Wargaming Club Facebook

The Sons of Simon de Montfort Wargaming Club near Loughborough (UK) finally have an official Facebook page. As some of those who follow this blog regularly are already aware, this is our local Club. We recently moved into the rather plush surroundings of Beaumanor Hall, Woodhouse, Leicestershire where we hold our regular week day games every Monday and Wednesday from 7pm. We're always open to inter-club tournaments, or to provide a game or two for passing visitors to the area. Between all the members we have quite an extensive coverage of periods and rulesets. You can even drop by with one of your own favourite games and gather some interest.

The Facebook link is here: https://www.facebook.com/SonsOfSimonDeMontfort

If you already have an FB profile, then please show us some support and 'Like' the page.

Thanks!!

(Above photo taken from 'The Battle of Belgrade' 1456)

Indian War Party 28mm

Part of my AW Miniatures 28mm Indian War Party I bought from their stand at Triples this year. Great figures and a fantastic price at only £20 for a bag of twenty. The running figure on the far left is the only one that comes as separates (both arms, so you pose them as you see fit). I didn't have internet access for the few weeks I'd been painting these, and only later did someone mention the highly detailed descriptions of FIW Indian dress and warpaint on the Galloping Major site. Nevertheless I had some pics from old copies of Wargames Illustrated to fall back on at least. I used Vallejo Cavalry Brown for the flesh and Brown Sand for the buckskin breeches. We've a club game coming up in about a month's time where these guys will get their first taste of combat against the English Regulars.