tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-76900450763794089582024-03-18T04:02:57.166+01:00Ghost NebulaA blog on my Science Fiction and fantasy writing experiences as well as my geeky warhammer 40000 and wargaming hobby.Pete Whttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10662176026555380093noreply@blogger.comBlogger171125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7690045076379408958.post-3611506430663801922014-08-24T21:38:00.002+02:002014-08-24T21:38:37.249+02:00Bolt Action Apocalypse - 6000 points of models and 60 order dice!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
What happens when you take three guys, a bunch of free time, an empty gaming store and a big load of models? </div>
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....Bolt Action Apocalypse! :-)</div>
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Having the change to go nuts, we decided to bring all the toys out to play so we could have 6000 points of models on the tabletop and blow lots of things up.</div>
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The Russian side brought a wall of armour to support their attack. There were plenty of veterans on their side but I had hope that the lack of long range AT would lead them to struggle. Then again they brought THREE artillery observers so I didn't hold out much hope for our troops to remain unpinned.</div>
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Especially since the Germans brought a veteran Tiger I. The Stug was actually played as a Sturmhaubitz since I thought we needed more anti-infantry than anti tank. Since the game was so big I also went mean with the flame half track. I figured that if I could come on from reserve in the right position it would let me pretty much delete two units, which would be a real bonus on such a crowded battlefield. Otherwise the Germans had a few squads supported by a sniper and MMG team.</div>
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Our British allies were well equipped also as they brought commandos, troops, MMG carriers, a heavy armoured car and a Sherman.</div>
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Just for fun we swapped turrets ;-)</div>
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Here is our 8x6 table filled with terrain. The Soviets came in from the table edges at the back and to the right (from the picture's perspective). The German-British alliance was holding the village behind the river and could bring in reserves from the close and left edge.</div>
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Brits take up defensive positions behind the barricades. Those damn reds better not try to cross in front of us. </div>
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The German force held the flank, hoping to cut into the side of the Soviet advance. I was looking forward to flank shots with the Tiger's 88mm gun.</div>
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Starting the battle, the soviet AA vehicle revved onto the field and poured fire on the squad moving towards the trees. Sadly for the halftrack's crew, the armoured car spun around, lined up the shot and put a 75mm shell right through their vehicle. The surviving crew bailed out of the ruined vehicle.</div>
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The T-34 rolled on here aiming for the Tiger. They bounced a shell off the front armour and then survived the Sherman's flanking fire (seen here). </div>
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The second Soviet thrust came in from the flank. The British responded by calling down artillery fire. Sadly no direct hits were scored but we put a lot of pins on the enemy.</div>
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Then, evil, horrible, terrible disaster struck. I activated the Tiger, hoping to take out the T-34. The order check failed with a single pin and the veteran crew reversed before going down. Now, this wouldn't normally be a huge failure as they are pretty resilient behind all that armour right? Well yes, until your opponent brings on his anti tank dog team, rolls a 5+ to hit you, a 5+ to penetrate your armour and a 4+ to wreck your 500point tank. </div>
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Our battle continued downhill as the Russians called in their artillery strikes. One pounded the British squads heading towards the flank, the other drew bead on the centre of our lines. The whistle of incoming heavy shells could be heard....</div>
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With an almighty crashing sound, a heavy howitzer hit took down the central building, burying snipers and machine gun crew under piles of rubble.</div>
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We valiantly fought back, with the BA-10 falling to panzerfaust shots. That'll teach you to bring an early war armoured car to a late war game where shaped charges have been introduced to the battlefield. Sadly this squad met a 76mm HE shell from the Su-76 before they could finish their victory dance and there were no survivors.</div>
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In the corner of the battlefield, the 37mm armed command half track tried to repeat its first success of immobilising the KV 2 but failed to penetrate the thick armour. Luckily for the crew, the massive tank couldn't seem to hit back, despite the point blank range.</div>
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The left flank was totally held by the Russians, despite a flame half track attack taking out a machine gun, sniper team and the Ba64 armoured car. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8J-X9ScSpxS8zkUHs9itAvO89pHG3eM7lzmS4CrYlxlFQUuezHd8rWL8qcLhN0S0Ou3lFAx-jBo901JMA-RIuXD1UQd8v7xJ_-K9opoBZ9CntNBY8RU_XUCeqnpJAB7dwqOlpeb2KQC6i/s1600/DSCF0919.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8J-X9ScSpxS8zkUHs9itAvO89pHG3eM7lzmS4CrYlxlFQUuezHd8rWL8qcLhN0S0Ou3lFAx-jBo901JMA-RIuXD1UQd8v7xJ_-K9opoBZ9CntNBY8RU_XUCeqnpJAB7dwqOlpeb2KQC6i/s1600/DSCF0919.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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The Sturmhaubitz was next to suffer from the deadly Russian dogs as it lost a track to the canines. Luckily the squads around took out the attackers but the armoured vehicle was stuck taking long range pot shots to little success.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_uc5gM9wjSY0912bdmNtTzkARQ2Fx-hOqvXYAdWNlD0_GfWZl7jOp8BgKwBVjGSWQEhEQoYVcX4dxvpBbkktctDe66oQp_qIuc3VpxsP3Wd5E_u4P5Gas5BHUcJtxVuVinm6UGjmp_JnG/s1600/DSCF0920.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_uc5gM9wjSY0912bdmNtTzkARQ2Fx-hOqvXYAdWNlD0_GfWZl7jOp8BgKwBVjGSWQEhEQoYVcX4dxvpBbkktctDe66oQp_qIuc3VpxsP3Wd5E_u4P5Gas5BHUcJtxVuVinm6UGjmp_JnG/s1600/DSCF0920.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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Next up, the Germans collected their panzerfausts and tried to bring them to bear on the Su-76.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKEUBokQMb1t3nPMABVwOzKkrebwuBOZvoRBjxNWkNScCxseJeV38mqqp7K_TgA9JrnDfZzdZnhbcgN6RmfHxsaoxUrDaI-wQdGnA07jEet51XJ-kyiiRtvgCOsWEd-WlTavHVk6UwX0p5/s1600/DSCF0921.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKEUBokQMb1t3nPMABVwOzKkrebwuBOZvoRBjxNWkNScCxseJeV38mqqp7K_TgA9JrnDfZzdZnhbcgN6RmfHxsaoxUrDaI-wQdGnA07jEet51XJ-kyiiRtvgCOsWEd-WlTavHVk6UwX0p5/s1600/DSCF0921.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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Sadly their efforts were in vain and the squads were battered back into cover by their Russian foes. Too many enemies and too little to throw them back with.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnFtJCHkBGNQTsNM8ajj0VMpmsT7mI_RDQ4aISxuy0Dun2WRyVARtgsNPW2Volb9d0-SbuF_XvlA6PKxl4IJDVwzyi2Y4k0xM-t7VaKJh4C9flnld-1AoJeYjMSu_fwFio7NFCezfmzK79/s1600/DSCF0922.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnFtJCHkBGNQTsNM8ajj0VMpmsT7mI_RDQ4aISxuy0Dun2WRyVARtgsNPW2Volb9d0-SbuF_XvlA6PKxl4IJDVwzyi2Y4k0xM-t7VaKJh4C9flnld-1AoJeYjMSu_fwFio7NFCezfmzK79/s1600/DSCF0922.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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The Russian tank duels the Sherman and AEC armoured car, taking out the former. </div>
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The left flank collapses completely and the Russian hordes swarm in towards the village.</div>
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At this point, after many hours of battle we called it in favour of the Red army. They put too much pressure on us, took out key units and left us scrambling to recover most of the game. My Tiger was too aggressively placed, the British led left flank lacked the ability to deal with the KV-2 and we just couldn't match up to the hordes attacking us. </div>
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It was a great game despite the loss and we hope to play a big game again in the not too distant future :-)</div>
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Pete</div>
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<br />Pete Whttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10662176026555380093noreply@blogger.com22tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7690045076379408958.post-62013000914005037032014-05-11T18:58:00.001+02:002014-05-11T18:58:36.181+02:00A big table means a big fun game! :-)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
After what seems like quite a while, Gergely and I got to throw down for a rematch of the river crossing game we played last time. Because we wanted to just be crazy and use our new toys we decided to go all out and make it a huge affair. Nobody else was in the FLGS so we put two of the tables together to give us a chance for the big armies to move around. </div>
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We were restricted mostly by the number of order dice we own and so locked it down to 16 units per side giving us quite a matchup. We counted the points as being around 1750 per side and it felt very epic.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh14xAbDoQ7_nRi8neKTVMKVOV6QxFRfMr2gsfcNjwmLE7VU5eXKCw9696G8ecfb9BvAPsgjJ9FtxIMyJuuqhtzVxwTey3NpQLtDuDe0tcQxsNnt-oa6VPsJh34y9EY5nBDm7uZuD65R78u/s1600/DSCF1960.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh14xAbDoQ7_nRi8neKTVMKVOV6QxFRfMr2gsfcNjwmLE7VU5eXKCw9696G8ecfb9BvAPsgjJ9FtxIMyJuuqhtzVxwTey3NpQLtDuDe0tcQxsNnt-oa6VPsJh34y9EY5nBDm7uZuD65R78u/s1600/DSCF1960.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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Here is the setup. Germans are holding the right of the table, mostly around the river and village with their SS reinforcements coming in from the the corner area (the edges between the corner hill and the hill on the left, and the river on the right)</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhojgNIWmlxDfbBFa7jRjZWI6vpkAk-r7qdhPPmabimyL_gh89MTlCo2uvx2MzOFmDfO0x60haLorOuRNE-GKeISamb99bajTZcQ5kxS6Z0GYQPxL0G6d9Inwpszd4w0hKyiS_CMznTZoK6/s1600/DSCF1961.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhojgNIWmlxDfbBFa7jRjZWI6vpkAk-r7qdhPPmabimyL_gh89MTlCo2uvx2MzOFmDfO0x60haLorOuRNE-GKeISamb99bajTZcQ5kxS6Z0GYQPxL0G6d9Inwpszd4w0hKyiS_CMznTZoK6/s1600/DSCF1961.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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Here is where my Germans made their defensive lines. These troops were entirely inexperienced except for the sniper and HQ (who can't be less than regular). This lack of morale was to come back and bite me in the butt numerous times during the game.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjY13cGrzQSZRDU9seczeDQLOmHi8ys4sNBIFeEatHowJP64hCgSDyADDyq3yhHqceg3YWUNgLm7vuhjpZnS-doqheOVEzZTrEVNZWMJb2GP3NMOcehH0TtNA-glNGKQIZApikSza_F-WZR/s1600/DSCF1962.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjY13cGrzQSZRDU9seczeDQLOmHi8ys4sNBIFeEatHowJP64hCgSDyADDyq3yhHqceg3YWUNgLm7vuhjpZnS-doqheOVEzZTrEVNZWMJb2GP3NMOcehH0TtNA-glNGKQIZApikSza_F-WZR/s1600/DSCF1962.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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Here is my MMG team overlooking the crossings from the house, the StuG guarding the bridge with its heavy anti tank gun and my improvised Nebelwerfer rocket launcher ready to add supporting fire. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgYQ5eS6ZBcHsNLpvOOiijOMbZ7Liw3UVYQ1ilGcNO1anW9fxotIBY59t0yW2I-o4jZN4uHC6aTfftdDfSnzhUNUQN6QTEqoh0Aiz3D-P3NVPvdcSjTvGpC-DkQTVAKcXGjscHhCMARbaj/s1600/DSCF1963.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgYQ5eS6ZBcHsNLpvOOiijOMbZ7Liw3UVYQ1ilGcNO1anW9fxotIBY59t0yW2I-o4jZN4uHC6aTfftdDfSnzhUNUQN6QTEqoh0Aiz3D-P3NVPvdcSjTvGpC-DkQTVAKcXGjscHhCMARbaj/s1600/DSCF1963.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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The main infantry line was dug in behind the barricades hoping to weather the Russian storm and put them down with hefty firepower. Inexperienced troops can still kill if they lay down enough shots. We marked the shallow ford in the river with the mossy bits. Vehicles can't cross but infantry could at no penalty. We only stipulated that they couldn't voluntarily go down to avoid fire and if forced to go down they would retreat to their side then go down. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUEsrjYuPQ1AXI42sxAyfMSKIO0507-Kfsnqomd6c_n0-thXhJs07l1KoGuLQ28U5AuNZZprSZfCh9U74DR98lGdfaqkA-7XOJKo-KS8lLq4SpFazVQ27RgPSZ0D2CwojdfejRx-fh6dxr/s1600/DSCF1965.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUEsrjYuPQ1AXI42sxAyfMSKIO0507-Kfsnqomd6c_n0-thXhJs07l1KoGuLQ28U5AuNZZprSZfCh9U74DR98lGdfaqkA-7XOJKo-KS8lLq4SpFazVQ27RgPSZ0D2CwojdfejRx-fh6dxr/s1600/DSCF1965.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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My elite SS reserve consisted of two veteran squads toting assault rifles and panzerfausts, a 1st lt with adjustant, two Hanomag half tracks to bring them onto the field and a veteran Tiger tank because....well because its' a TIGER :-)</div>
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These began the game off table and came on if I rolled 8 or more (D6 + turn number). It game me a slim chance on turn 2 but more likely on three or four, which we thought was a good balance.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJew5JOYibRl0KyJAIefqjAFTCClIHhgQDCV7d1tQCkgQql7lx5_jm-ZUF4crA36u48ap8R-BgIdJkUjtyBOmoxvg-EOnl-uT-xvrMQl0lhIc-KIJdXPahScEl_cI3BDJbNnc18ngxqYpg/s1600/DSCF1966.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJew5JOYibRl0KyJAIefqjAFTCClIHhgQDCV7d1tQCkgQql7lx5_jm-ZUF4crA36u48ap8R-BgIdJkUjtyBOmoxvg-EOnl-uT-xvrMQl0lhIc-KIJdXPahScEl_cI3BDJbNnc18ngxqYpg/s1600/DSCF1966.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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Gergely's Russian horde was up to the challenge. He had a mass of veteran infantry including engineers toting body armour and a flamethrower, a foursome of support teams (AT rifle, snipers, mortar and machine gun) and four armoured hulls that you can see in the foreground. His SU-76 brought a medium AT gun and howitzer, the T-34 had the heavy AT, the Ba-10 a light AT and 2 machine guns, and the borrowed M17 halftrack was ready to throw down quad machine gun firepower.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwj-SrhEOjSQjJNINIFtyq-cZFM5KWpihvXSnMjeZrqVWEKklqY5JnyX1A1UpjoUbFr1viGgx4slGgRUowlSM8oWrMrdw8P-AgPDQrdHzIeFTtW3SJVb3gARAcQc151X94AhgJXtTfh2sj/s1600/DSCF1967.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwj-SrhEOjSQjJNINIFtyq-cZFM5KWpihvXSnMjeZrqVWEKklqY5JnyX1A1UpjoUbFr1viGgx4slGgRUowlSM8oWrMrdw8P-AgPDQrdHzIeFTtW3SJVb3gARAcQc151X94AhgJXtTfh2sj/s1600/DSCF1967.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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Gergely's officer directs the Soviet armoured column forwards to the battle.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2zfmE6y9XCe1H5sgc9rulmCzqIbrNm2c24DZ7cE-6GatyFe5Ol4kgaPTixxy83pYB1JOOsEU9QpxqBJkjpP3zOpESipsKA2hGT6EJv2ml5pbMVSzEdmypZnb1j4HQzhDwMYELE9J2nZU5/s1600/DSCF1968.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2zfmE6y9XCe1H5sgc9rulmCzqIbrNm2c24DZ7cE-6GatyFe5Ol4kgaPTixxy83pYB1JOOsEU9QpxqBJkjpP3zOpESipsKA2hGT6EJv2ml5pbMVSzEdmypZnb1j4HQzhDwMYELE9J2nZU5/s1600/DSCF1968.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
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Unlike the rest of the inexperienced troops, who failed orders like crazy and hunkered down, the StuG shook off the effects of the Soviet opening barrage and readied an ambush shot. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJtRmkm4uoWMjS3qNHg2N8Yqj_CESdaVjJzv_rlxjyR468BMO9_ZhocBLsjJF3vni_sOB_1giseqARrAsVKC2PBck0B7LOduBLFZp7enrVm3IGkrNk1GA_Y_eKKyQFOeaS71aK4e06Hq9O/s1600/DSCF1969.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJtRmkm4uoWMjS3qNHg2N8Yqj_CESdaVjJzv_rlxjyR468BMO9_ZhocBLsjJF3vni_sOB_1giseqARrAsVKC2PBck0B7LOduBLFZp7enrVm3IGkrNk1GA_Y_eKKyQFOeaS71aK4e06Hq9O/s1600/DSCF1969.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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Gergely swarmed onto the field with his infantry horde pushing down the left flank towards the ford. His armoured units moved to the right ready to intercept the SS reserve. While my StuG managed to land a pinning hit on the T-34, the inexperienced group on the right were almost useless. Pinned down by Greg's repeated fire and my terrible order checks I think we managed to kill perhaps one or two Soviets in the first few turns. My Nebelwerfer was the most frustrating as it failed three order tests to fire, even though the commander was next to it, and couldn't put a barrage onto his tightly packed troops. </div>
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Luckily for me Greg didn't manage to kill too many of my soldiers as they were packed behind cover but my numbers were steady reduced by fire coming from multiple angles. I was getting pretty desperate for my SS reserve to show up.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhICUDwGCfi8ten7AfN50ReZvXsnEcM1sssRZ5IiW_3NvAMP_aylAX3XrvgxZ_pABs0CwdbaCaEMIcfiOVUpqKH2pnOvXdk1LaJ8-Wim6q8cCYaN9rrAugxxM2p04HH8rzLV21Su2BmQ3QF/s1600/DSCF1970.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhICUDwGCfi8ten7AfN50ReZvXsnEcM1sssRZ5IiW_3NvAMP_aylAX3XrvgxZ_pABs0CwdbaCaEMIcfiOVUpqKH2pnOvXdk1LaJ8-Wim6q8cCYaN9rrAugxxM2p04HH8rzLV21Su2BmQ3QF/s1600/DSCF1970.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
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Turn 3 and I was lucky, rolling a 5 to bring in the elite reserves. I came in from the flank, leading with the Tiger who drew a bead on the T-34's flank. Gergely's tank fired first as it had been waiting in ambush but luckily for the Germans, the shell went wide. The SS crew zeroed in their 88mm super heavy AT gun...</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-K6fWPbxRsMioHi3vtrqLZsDpBj9TsX1uaEuj4Xvb750oI8oYQhyphenhypheneR0z3dV65G4DSHAsm4DsHMPnwaXiPJM3jWpElhLLVZQclc-bjlyH5xSgqd-qZwSk8EXNTMTqcT4-63afimdT0vJ6l/s1600/DSCF1972.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-K6fWPbxRsMioHi3vtrqLZsDpBj9TsX1uaEuj4Xvb750oI8oYQhyphenhypheneR0z3dV65G4DSHAsm4DsHMPnwaXiPJM3jWpElhLLVZQclc-bjlyH5xSgqd-qZwSk8EXNTMTqcT4-63afimdT0vJ6l/s1600/DSCF1972.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
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Feuer! The commander yelled and the gunner obligingly put a shot through the flank armour of the Soviet tank. My penetration bonus was +7 and being a side armour shot I got +1 to the roll, which gave me good odds against the armour value of 9. I beat the armour by more than 3 points, scoring massive damage. This result gives you two rolls on the damage table with both applying. I rolled two twos and with a double immobilisation result, the Russian crew decided to head for the hills and the tank was destroyed. Now I was feeling better, despite the crumbling defense of the river.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizpjG4ECG9ZG2P4-yu4YLV7GEAs0JKKs7MBeMpgwnvHZtmffoSDhgT4rMknJeZgaTSjZ2wWRoRWT-OeStNOme94eCqOTinRGAa4AHgs1ZknzYWqfGlosYremterLYpWLfWMXjoJGMmlkd_/s1600/DSCF1973.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizpjG4ECG9ZG2P4-yu4YLV7GEAs0JKKs7MBeMpgwnvHZtmffoSDhgT4rMknJeZgaTSjZ2wWRoRWT-OeStNOme94eCqOTinRGAa4AHgs1ZknzYWqfGlosYremterLYpWLfWMXjoJGMmlkd_/s1600/DSCF1973.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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Here we jump a bit more. Perhaps cocky after my Tiger's early luck I ran my SS elite troops out of the halftracks and into battle. One squad did well killing off the AT rifle and pinning the Su-76 with a lucky panzerfaust shot, but the other one ran right into ambushing fire from Gergely's inexperienced troops. In a humbling lesson, the raw soviet troops gunned down half of the elite SS squad and the survivors failed their morale check for 50% casualties with a double 6, running from the battle and for the hills. Curses!</div>
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In a lucky retribution for this loss, my Nebelwerfer crew finally passed their order check and fired at the mortar spotter who was in the woods by the Su-76. The whole area was plastered with heavy rockets and I had a stroke of luck rolling 6s to hit both the spotter and the inexperienced troops. A rocket launcher like this fires like a heavy mortar (2D6 hits, D3 pins) but can't zero in on the target turn by turn. Instead you roll to hit each unit within 6 inches of the targeted unit. I really lucked out as the spotter was killed by 9 hits and the inexperienced squad lost more than half their men but with his typical Skaven general luck (and a Soviet re-roll) Gergely rolled 4 to pass the morale check and stay on the table.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhs5RN1oSGpenTIhEVkAscMj4SB3VupnuRZza-FqWGjT34aKpVliesd6vws4OLfJXxIZ9Vvvv1dq3zS-Nr4krWAgsdPgwR0YjHSLtOa3Z_ow2Xowb05yMl-QMOSd_NQcAdUyp8nxlvT4TsV/s1600/DSCF1974.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhs5RN1oSGpenTIhEVkAscMj4SB3VupnuRZza-FqWGjT34aKpVliesd6vws4OLfJXxIZ9Vvvv1dq3zS-Nr4krWAgsdPgwR0YjHSLtOa3Z_ow2Xowb05yMl-QMOSd_NQcAdUyp8nxlvT4TsV/s1600/DSCF1974.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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One of the last actions in the game was for Gergely's artillery barrage to come in on target and batter my surviving troops. Luckily he didn't roll any 6s, so nobody took direct hits, but four of my units and two of his took a battering and were pinned a lot. I had to switch to dice marking pins instead of the red chits as we were running low. </div>
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Sadly this is where our time for the game ran short as we had dinner reservations in the local brewery with our lovely wives so we packed up calling it a draw. I was confident that my armoured attack on the flank would sweep around and save the centre and Gergely was equally sure his veteran troops would crush my weakened defenders and secure the river crossing. </div>
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The game as a whole was a lot of fun with nice swings of luck on both sides. I think my mistake was definitely in not staying down with my low level troops for a couple of turns to get them unpinned. You can elect to remain down at the start of the turn and drop one pin marker without taking a test. Instead I tried rolling to pass checks and failed a lot, sending me down again without losing a pin. Had I let my troops recover a bit more at the start without trying to fire (which probably would have been pretty ineffective anyway) I might have had a stronger defence waiting for the Russians. </div>
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Gergely's attack plan was pretty solid though in hindsight it might have been better for him to bring the armour in to support his troops directly. That way he might have overwhelmed me even faster and the SS reserves would have had a long drive to get close to the battle. He got unlucky with the armoured column as the T-34's destruction meant the Su-76 was blocked and struggled to turn around. You can see how a lack of turret was historically limiting in close range battles. </div>
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A rematch is definitely intended and we hope to bring in a couple of new players from the club. If you get the chance I strongly recommend playing on bigger tables like this (6'x8') as it gives a much wider flow to the game, which makes you think and play differently. </div>
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If you have any questions please just drop me a comment.</div>
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<br />Pete Whttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10662176026555380093noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7690045076379408958.post-8249212047568412752014-04-20T20:07:00.000+02:002014-04-20T20:07:00.101+02:00Warlord Games Tiger and StuG Part 2<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Thanks to the Easter break I've been able to put some good modelling time into the new tanks and get them closer and closer to the battlefield. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGwct9ts_nwLF9xWC6myyU96VKf-pQ4y5_PYZe5jhEhxB49XIKNQspJQ7qP0p0J_iGj8EPuBvjplRG7GkpBd_xXYBpqv0ozuhqJKMYw2ey4I-P-ugrQoUgWye1TesfvsagrFQ_mpu8CcGK/s1600/DSCF1526.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGwct9ts_nwLF9xWC6myyU96VKf-pQ4y5_PYZe5jhEhxB49XIKNQspJQ7qP0p0J_iGj8EPuBvjplRG7GkpBd_xXYBpqv0ozuhqJKMYw2ey4I-P-ugrQoUgWye1TesfvsagrFQ_mpu8CcGK/s1600/DSCF1526.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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Here they are assembled. The Tiger turret was finished but then I realised that the gun was off centre due to the mould line I mentioned in the last post. I snapped it off before the green stuff had cured, filed down the base and then reglued it. Now it's much better.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPhA4MRf_OCL5YWQXJTNSXKpZAE7gR8fh9RIfvgiN7y7If0c2J_BTo-5WigRHkoQJERPNH0uQy1IchJGOcV4mZH0HTRumt2KnXnf_jhmNneS9lDL7-KXVXR6l63xXRwRs6cNHZdjqm8jpO/s1600/DSCF1527.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPhA4MRf_OCL5YWQXJTNSXKpZAE7gR8fh9RIfvgiN7y7If0c2J_BTo-5WigRHkoQJERPNH0uQy1IchJGOcV4mZH0HTRumt2KnXnf_jhmNneS9lDL7-KXVXR6l63xXRwRs6cNHZdjqm8jpO/s1600/DSCF1527.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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Here's my StuG with tank commander and machine gun mount included. Because the machine gun mount isn't originally included in the model kit I drilled a hole for it and then glued it down over the right hatch, as was historically done.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8y8CNZNJx9_3CU9yvRErwbcfx5SwL23s0Yuh7QkmmZeJod46X6irRo5gwwlRnAMMO-wK62wBtuT976jmCyyZvq5QP-ibP4nUESglfH0-WpVxvYq2G46yBDEAEjeasS9Z4ym7AWj9hWN2W/s1600/DSCF1528.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8y8CNZNJx9_3CU9yvRErwbcfx5SwL23s0Yuh7QkmmZeJod46X6irRo5gwwlRnAMMO-wK62wBtuT976jmCyyZvq5QP-ibP4nUESglfH0-WpVxvYq2G46yBDEAEjeasS9Z4ym7AWj9hWN2W/s1600/DSCF1528.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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While it may not be really obvious here I had some issues with the tracks fitting the hull. Both tracks were slightly curved, which I tried to fix with hot water (didn't make much difference) but more than that, the hull itself was convex on one side. It was too big of a job to try and file down without a dremel or the like so I decided instead to greenstuff the gaps and help hold the model together this way. It took a fair bit of green stuff but I hope I managed to make it look like there were just some welded parts in the joints. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8A2ho_y9URSAcviVwYxyUWQ1otdMwbjTHM4y1seYHEmvbdz6HBve2kPX1vlRo0tncsMPNtuz6IrmahokofteDoFO584YEPm8dL9RKsOniBxrO37xCUrrAnD-OFnQvErqoo8gNkKHTj_Lo/s1600/DSCF1616.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8A2ho_y9URSAcviVwYxyUWQ1otdMwbjTHM4y1seYHEmvbdz6HBve2kPX1vlRo0tncsMPNtuz6IrmahokofteDoFO584YEPm8dL9RKsOniBxrO37xCUrrAnD-OFnQvErqoo8gNkKHTj_Lo/s1600/DSCF1616.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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Here are both models on the painting table. They both got two coats of Vallejo Dark Yellow Surface Primer to start with and the StuG has had a wash of Agrax Earthshade with a bit of Nuln Oil added (my attempt to replace Devlan mud). For some reason my camera added a flash to this picture. Still, it gives you an idea of the colours.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiBqI65sMccpdS6SXGX3pEEMjljorVACcqKI453sG8zSAOApvPnXd3APrf5hO34bV3B3fcaattDr0lx3Vi_k8GQ8PiJ_NdUFNJ50SN60_l5vcjutFFEisvE1xUF-hDugYgOOfjb99j5IAg/s1600/DSCF1617.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiBqI65sMccpdS6SXGX3pEEMjljorVACcqKI453sG8zSAOApvPnXd3APrf5hO34bV3B3fcaattDr0lx3Vi_k8GQ8PiJ_NdUFNJ50SN60_l5vcjutFFEisvE1xUF-hDugYgOOfjb99j5IAg/s1600/DSCF1617.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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Here is a natural light colour showing how the wash really tones down the yellow and makes it a nice battlefield tone. The plain primer is a bit bright. Now I plan to add brown and green camo stripes to go with something of the German tricolour scheme. </div>
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Looking forward to getting these on the tabletop and if anyone has any questions about the models or the game please just drop a comment. </div>
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Pete :-)</div>
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Pete Whttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10662176026555380093noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7690045076379408958.post-61097229115327452292014-04-15T22:09:00.001+02:002014-04-15T22:09:23.864+02:00Warlord Games Tiger I and StuG models unboxed.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
My tank reinforcements are here. Thanks to Warlord upping their usual 10% sale (buy 3 vehicles, get 10% off each) to a 20% last month, Gergely and I decided to get some reinforcements. His Russians will now be bringing a cute armoured car whereas I added to the might of the German army with a Sturmgeschutz assault gun and the mighty Tiger tank. </div>
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I'm excited about both of these models and while the StuG will be more useful in game, the Tiger is just too iconic not to have in the collection.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7dM5n6kaVlxzFhB_8LXH3xTcdirtjvvdx49aU4M0UQRyYn4r0dzjXSedx3zvWR-J7gqRtuGGiYe4jQxWLPLLVJXnsuJsKT3jB5n5Ck2zcwiLMM_8KYz6eXibAtyjcWRSMkFydzosA0RRs/s1600/DSCF1510.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7dM5n6kaVlxzFhB_8LXH3xTcdirtjvvdx49aU4M0UQRyYn4r0dzjXSedx3zvWR-J7gqRtuGGiYe4jQxWLPLLVJXnsuJsKT3jB5n5Ck2zcwiLMM_8KYz6eXibAtyjcWRSMkFydzosA0RRs/s1600/DSCF1510.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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Here are the bits from the Tiger I kit. It's a simple construction that shouldn't take me long to get assembled. In this picture all I have done is take a couple of the metal pieces off the sprues and washed the kit in soapy water to help with the painting later.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTpR0Dir815l8z7Zlvnbb09y6Dsrss9DsXimoorrTjLC8F6UCkB5uusUF7ZmlMHMsz-kJa7XBv5EGlmUXaOcErTLs0R1Hmll_egzhJHc5awLU2xCq84sFu7z9Hit7kOnO25zbL7AHiYS83/s1600/DSCF1511.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTpR0Dir815l8z7Zlvnbb09y6Dsrss9DsXimoorrTjLC8F6UCkB5uusUF7ZmlMHMsz-kJa7XBv5EGlmUXaOcErTLs0R1Hmll_egzhJHc5awLU2xCq84sFu7z9Hit7kOnO25zbL7AHiYS83/s1600/DSCF1511.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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Here it is just balanced together with other models for scale. It dwarfs the poor little Sherman tank (also from Warlord) games and Asmodai is just helping to prop up the gun because he's a strong space marine!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUTOxGccV7uzJ7hnNNGbUm9Fg11BYq6eTQJPoGB4V0I9EXaCrXxybHcTPWZlHNtlZNSzur96LzHsFu73z54GmcnYsu9_FgDeNkwUp0y3sE5_qZhlPrB1bdUwMQlGCfben_qAvdR_YoqZT6/s1600/DSCF1512.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUTOxGccV7uzJ7hnNNGbUm9Fg11BYq6eTQJPoGB4V0I9EXaCrXxybHcTPWZlHNtlZNSzur96LzHsFu73z54GmcnYsu9_FgDeNkwUp0y3sE5_qZhlPrB1bdUwMQlGCfben_qAvdR_YoqZT6/s1600/DSCF1512.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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The barrel has a mould line running down it but I don't expect there to be much cleanup involved. The metal parts are pretty clean,</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJ0dcbldcmiDz0OK5CerJaF8O_Anc0VAFAICaPk1eMDnc11J5iGwIlUAB3ZXbDtLKAqUB32RClnNHrr2bTDQyqbQ51whzsXr56IOogO35EyxbbF-mMNw4f5r9HSsjqCV61mYuS8NRzB8-z/s1600/DSCF1513.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJ0dcbldcmiDz0OK5CerJaF8O_Anc0VAFAICaPk1eMDnc11J5iGwIlUAB3ZXbDtLKAqUB32RClnNHrr2bTDQyqbQ51whzsXr56IOogO35EyxbbF-mMNw4f5r9HSsjqCV61mYuS8NRzB8-z/s1600/DSCF1513.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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Here is the flash on the turret. It's on the underside so shouldn't be visible and I don't expect any major problems cleaning off these resin gates and bits. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUq7gX6PQo5BVtRIyRtIYiU6WXLOEDpLLttazIIKOG734Sz920QPAqBfKZGYxT_QJEZY90wfTjmB0Emc58ypTQ-upCd8raLxOiOcsVzm5gYnqt46BQHL5H6icGOVVFiLgfjzFGzGz0ATLF/s1600/DSCF1514.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUq7gX6PQo5BVtRIyRtIYiU6WXLOEDpLLttazIIKOG734Sz920QPAqBfKZGYxT_QJEZY90wfTjmB0Emc58ypTQ-upCd8raLxOiOcsVzm5gYnqt46BQHL5H6icGOVVFiLgfjzFGzGz0ATLF/s1600/DSCF1514.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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On the hull I can see a few cleanup bits on the front left, again due to resin gates. There should be a quick cleanup and I think they will be covered by the tracks when I glue them so no worries there.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrWHjztxMKoq5dpKHxKhgVLvwRImTXRP59l9h4eAMfAOP_pQex0BGnJ1Bf7gBoLgE_lPZyWOW-Ad51W7o-7Y_BJppXjPWuT71ddclMSuaCs4O7IfmLSxrhNFq7wSosvkJP9KCWmR8bUbHW/s1600/DSCF1515.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrWHjztxMKoq5dpKHxKhgVLvwRImTXRP59l9h4eAMfAOP_pQex0BGnJ1Bf7gBoLgE_lPZyWOW-Ad51W7o-7Y_BJppXjPWuT71ddclMSuaCs4O7IfmLSxrhNFq7wSosvkJP9KCWmR8bUbHW/s1600/DSCF1515.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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The StuG has more parts as it comes with various metal fittings, a tank commander and schurzen (armoured skirts). I'm not sure whether I'll fit the latter but perhaps. It was quite common historically I think.</div>
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***The machine gun in the bottom right is not included in the kit. It's from the Warlord Hetzer kit. The StuG should have a machine gun included but it currently doesn't. I contacted Warlord to ask about it, they took our order number and popped the machine gun in for free, telling me they'll talk to the model makes about updating the model with a gun. Thumbs up.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGv3_yQEGs-B24-JaA4xmlzvPfw7l7aUub8OXh_8dU2Jl_iNAW7FahfnUlz5hhgKlH3hW716jSNoPkzfNHGH5yd5jze67GxPnmVE3vAlh5y0lmiGqP96cS8wXK-HyTFIw8WezIiLwjHlPE/s1600/DSCF1516.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGv3_yQEGs-B24-JaA4xmlzvPfw7l7aUub8OXh_8dU2Jl_iNAW7FahfnUlz5hhgKlH3hW716jSNoPkzfNHGH5yd5jze67GxPnmVE3vAlh5y0lmiGqP96cS8wXK-HyTFIw8WezIiLwjHlPE/s1600/DSCF1516.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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Again with the scale shots. The only issue I see here aside from some small, fiddly parts, is that the tracks don't fit on squarely because of two detail parts at the back of the hull. They lock in nicely with the superstructure but don't quite have the clearance for those back details (riveted plates of some sort). I might have to remove the plates to make sure I get a good connection.</div>
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That's all from me for now. Still enjoying the gaming a lot and trying to work on painting up the last bits of the collection. </div>
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Best wishes</div>
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Pete</div>
<br />Pete Whttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10662176026555380093noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7690045076379408958.post-5754933822123511712014-03-04T21:30:00.001+01:002014-03-04T21:30:07.176+01:00Vallejo surface primer paint review - US Olive drab, German dark yellow (Dunkelgelb)Hey folks,<br />
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As briefly mentioned in my review of the models last week, I picked up some Vallejo surface primer paints to start my models off the right way. What do I think of them? Let's find out.<br />
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First of all, I had a disappointing experience ordering these from Wayland Games. They were marked as typically shipping in 3-9 working days but no such luck. I contacted them after 11 working days and they said there were changing supplier. After 17 working days I contacted them again and we cancelled the black primer I'd ordered since they hadn't ordered from the new supplier and would have to wait to get it from the US. In the end it shipped some 20 working days after ordering, which is a bit annoying. Shame as I usually like Wayland but from now on it'll probably be relegated to those hard to find items that are not so time critical.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjLHooHqC-oOhI8g5zPF1uAadPDMnsDJcc4bYei2P_Klo4vedPfMtMRGJIFPxG-kJf3yOsjn01YD0lKSNpPRiu8uJ-IoLNKOPP7CAnij6nqCgLJDSsl-DRcKoE30KTsQtzLqWVoDd_QsLj/s1600/DSCF1206.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjLHooHqC-oOhI8g5zPF1uAadPDMnsDJcc4bYei2P_Klo4vedPfMtMRGJIFPxG-kJf3yOsjn01YD0lKSNpPRiu8uJ-IoLNKOPP7CAnij6nqCgLJDSsl-DRcKoE30KTsQtzLqWVoDd_QsLj/s1600/DSCF1206.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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There was a slight leak in the package from Wayland Games. After the fuss of the delivery I was tempted to complain but it was minor and only a bit of paint leaked. I decided to let it be.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrONHf0Q9Bhyphenhyphenyd-sY9GvV45CiWnLrkoLkDt1CoJJRPjsmpcdTqFKEdW3S4EZy6yUIdPvZ8tlXc4nc67-sUAnx3OkE6N3j5RedR1CQA0li-3PE8yDfm0v5yl7kh1oZBextXOHAuT27IbwLx/s1600/DSCF1206a.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrONHf0Q9Bhyphenhyphenyd-sY9GvV45CiWnLrkoLkDt1CoJJRPjsmpcdTqFKEdW3S4EZy6yUIdPvZ8tlXc4nc67-sUAnx3OkE6N3j5RedR1CQA0li-3PE8yDfm0v5yl7kh1oZBextXOHAuT27IbwLx/s1600/DSCF1206a.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
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Here are the primers out of the bag and ready for action. They are pretty big bottles and of the dropper type. I'm not a huge fan of this as I find it leads to a lot of paint being wasted on the palette but it makes it great for airbrushes I suppose. </div>
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Things to note about this paint. It's really thin, like thick milk. I've read that it can easily be used direct in an airbrush without watering down but if you're going to brush it on then you'll need more patience as you have to let it dry before moving the model around. I rushed a couple of times and realised a stream of paint had run down from where I'd been working before. Paint it batches and let it sit to dry, a bit like a wash has to. For the larger areas I got messy and poured the paint directly on to the model then moved it around with the brush from there. The Sherman was great as I could use the turret hole as a mini palette :-)</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRyTdjD00erzKG18f8mYNbalNZy0ntbrZpXKvvLNwRxCoHlekDl0TN7BWLgDbdCIlmfj_5GvF3DDgyalvzmZy-xz4D8-1XTikhmlLw5N44Satx0gWRpgh3zXxqk-ZXDlhHfU03dyF_XekS/s1600/DSCF1207.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRyTdjD00erzKG18f8mYNbalNZy0ntbrZpXKvvLNwRxCoHlekDl0TN7BWLgDbdCIlmfj_5GvF3DDgyalvzmZy-xz4D8-1XTikhmlLw5N44Satx0gWRpgh3zXxqk-ZXDlhHfU03dyF_XekS/s1600/DSCF1207.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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Here are the early stages. The first problem becomes clear. You MUST WASH THE MODELS carefully. I thought I had scrubbed them to clear the mould release but apparently not. The Sherman was the biggest problem, as you can see, but the M16 was equally annoying with the tracks. I used washing up liquid and an old toothbrush but apparently I should have worked harder and for longer. The resin German halftrack wasn't bad and the M16 body was fine, but the Sherman!!!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7IuWB8UUz00mTK_gkZLUWiHdph-X4bBRG3O4U0-Lk7dKo_1tO0rlT4Q-2fKLn_houKrNZTI50EfltIOQhAXc00Al0dEhp9kzDNAAiIrpt01F8PJc_FWFjxlEMRlDrAeqiUnkn-5HPXJ0z/s1600/DSCF1208.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7IuWB8UUz00mTK_gkZLUWiHdph-X4bBRG3O4U0-Lk7dKo_1tO0rlT4Q-2fKLn_houKrNZTI50EfltIOQhAXc00Al0dEhp9kzDNAAiIrpt01F8PJc_FWFjxlEMRlDrAeqiUnkn-5HPXJ0z/s1600/DSCF1208.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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A close up of the paint problems with the Sherman. It was like painting on oil and I just couldn't get the paint to stay where I wanted it to. In the end I had to cover as best as possible and gradually go over the problem areas with future layers. Overall I think I put down about five layers of the paint on this model. Next time you can guarantee that model is getting scrubbed until it sparkles! :-)</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD3F3Wj4jdcvn8-_9yv8q4ZgEvhs-hn4dfOvYSroQA_PA4-fo_Z_Kd4D1PsEQnPZzp-cqlHTCRTZfzU1ZlDn2fuF3cQ1x34AlejXyOV3rsxC8IRtGOl8C85l4_p4N0cncC9pC9SQMBmSz1/s1600/DSCF1210.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD3F3Wj4jdcvn8-_9yv8q4ZgEvhs-hn4dfOvYSroQA_PA4-fo_Z_Kd4D1PsEQnPZzp-cqlHTCRTZfzU1ZlDn2fuF3cQ1x34AlejXyOV3rsxC8IRtGOl8C85l4_p4N0cncC9pC9SQMBmSz1/s1600/DSCF1210.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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Here are the German half tracks after two layers of paint. I might give them a touch more but it's a pretty solid coverage. Next up is a earthy wash and then I play to highlight them with more khaki tones and maybe some camouflage patterns. Marneus and the Dark Eldar are for scale and colour comparison because my camera can be funky with colours when taking under lights.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFZ9NpwkOjEnKPgqO3scTEhVhE_XfMZt6OIKf4Gq32sRRMxMAoy0JTzyJClDds70vepx2nL2gIcCk-R3biLRuo13tAWoH4LSu5omvN5ExQzvfBCLPNkYgFBMDjDGKsRru3UEedHc_9j0y5/s1600/DSCF1211.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFZ9NpwkOjEnKPgqO3scTEhVhE_XfMZt6OIKf4Gq32sRRMxMAoy0JTzyJClDds70vepx2nL2gIcCk-R3biLRuo13tAWoH4LSu5omvN5ExQzvfBCLPNkYgFBMDjDGKsRru3UEedHc_9j0y5/s1600/DSCF1211.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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Here are all the vehicles together. The US ones have had a sort of Devlan Mud Wash (Agrax Earthshade with a glug of Nuln Oil to darken it down) and then are drybrush highlighted. The tank commander is a nice addition and I'm glad to have him on my vehicle. I want to add some brighter parts with white US stars and symbols as it'll make them stand out nicely. The reason my hand is in the photo is that I magnetised the flamethrowers on the half track and the gun on the rear halftrack so I can transport then more easily. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4xLEIskei7lrq7C6-Lxm-gKbJpBaVZ8z7CUaqf3cYXZexnJR9-VykWuTWiWGpD4dE3HO0QYvSmMPfAXzLkvFBzgoLlQn67Iq5ZqHNuvKrMtb0-MBsE0XOiV8S_DQtRsGWa-L6QpmCpJog/s1600/DSCF1213.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4xLEIskei7lrq7C6-Lxm-gKbJpBaVZ8z7CUaqf3cYXZexnJR9-VykWuTWiWGpD4dE3HO0QYvSmMPfAXzLkvFBzgoLlQn67Iq5ZqHNuvKrMtb0-MBsE0XOiV8S_DQtRsGWa-L6QpmCpJog/s1600/DSCF1213.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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Here you see the problem with brush on primer and larger models, especially when not cleaned. Those grey parts are where the primer didn't grip the resin or the places I missed during the painting. I think I might paint in sub-assemblies for future models. Or I may start with a black spray just to shade it before I use the primer as the base coat. We'll see.</div>
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Overall I can recommend the Vallejo surface primers and I think they are a great option for airbrush users or those who don't have a good place to spray. The colours are a great base for models, particularly the US olive drab, and it's nice to be able to brush on a primer when the weather doesn't work for spraying. The consistency of the paint takes a bit of getting used to and make sure you scrub the resin models well but overall I'm satisfied. To be able to prime and basecoat in one is a good deal and the price is nice too (about 5 pounds per bottle).</div>
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All the best</div>
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Pete</div>
Pete Whttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10662176026555380093noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7690045076379408958.post-25165713198384790282014-02-27T09:41:00.000+01:002014-02-27T09:41:08.954+01:00Warlord Games US Sherman and M16 AA half track review<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
American model reviews this time around.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHauzCgeFq7A4HQ2-lLaR_B6MGddwvy5HFTPGrHKVr3Xlb0NjvLt2roRoJRDsN4NQpR1KpKTFZwG3za5mF3sj5obFEPSnFtA2wP-gsN3KxpNGs2a0nGPXeugrRJRA1mkFeJsalcOufA-oO/s1600/DSCF1167.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHauzCgeFq7A4HQ2-lLaR_B6MGddwvy5HFTPGrHKVr3Xlb0NjvLt2roRoJRDsN4NQpR1KpKTFZwG3za5mF3sj5obFEPSnFtA2wP-gsN3KxpNGs2a0nGPXeugrRJRA1mkFeJsalcOufA-oO/s1600/DSCF1167.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
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My second order from Warlord relatively recently brought me some US models and the Armies of Germany book. I picked up order dice as well and two gifts for my gaming buddy, who plays Russians. The T34 is from his wife and I gave him the command group. Unfortunately for me the tank can be equipped with a flamethrower so my future games will be scary :-)</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7tSyxccTy8w-GOzxnYfASQT5_Y9dhT0yEfqoxR4asGqmwJh2hT2B_sWaJvae3L-IxWncEVM67cpSDV0oGkamCe-t84wXd7llfQybpoDUUKq3jhoXKr5t6V98DO9k7V0Wn5pvX4Pxn6A_S/s1600/DSCF1168.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7tSyxccTy8w-GOzxnYfASQT5_Y9dhT0yEfqoxR4asGqmwJh2hT2B_sWaJvae3L-IxWncEVM67cpSDV0oGkamCe-t84wXd7llfQybpoDUUKq3jhoXKr5t6V98DO9k7V0Wn5pvX4Pxn6A_S/s1600/DSCF1168.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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This is what you get in the Sherman set. I've done nothing to this except put the gun barrel in the turret. Cleanup was minimal and I just scrubbed the pieces in warm water and washing up liquid to help with painting. This didn't seem to work as I will tell you more about later.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYzCAVmltuMkIm3udFM20C0x0O4TxVLjzQZ9iXogdjI7qFtmfouPqg0sR325uGaxVbLFBUcxXHQfqalak57l0LXxWnBWISrfmxZcLiUAXCEXGMqnMWUBFIc7RC0XYXm2mO9cKR7aLvIqXx/s1600/DSCF1174.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYzCAVmltuMkIm3udFM20C0x0O4TxVLjzQZ9iXogdjI7qFtmfouPqg0sR325uGaxVbLFBUcxXHQfqalak57l0LXxWnBWISrfmxZcLiUAXCEXGMqnMWUBFIc7RC0XYXm2mO9cKR7aLvIqXx/s1600/DSCF1174.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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I skipped the assembly stages in my photos but it's pretty simple. The Sherman hull hatches were weird to figure out in terms of which way to stick them on and I had to trim the clasps slightly to make them fit but otherwise it was fine. For the M16 AA vehicle, the assembly diagrams on the Warlord Website give you what you need. The only thing is that you get all the bits for a regular halftrack as well so you will have some extra. I have a set of side runners, a fender, a pintle ring and four machine guns (3x30 cal, 1x 50 cal) in my bits box now.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEht3fS_AQmmZ2-untxu4CkAwGlzeKGkVzllBMGWlTuAgsmMjqzTxB2XkcI4I8PsB-QQCD1rXkSQgMXiBXGuw4Xggye6dXvxZInzm6QhAHno-1vvoXsyzlYMdEcxfPx-DfPcyxVHDtnHFA3N/s1600/DSCF1175.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEht3fS_AQmmZ2-untxu4CkAwGlzeKGkVzllBMGWlTuAgsmMjqzTxB2XkcI4I8PsB-QQCD1rXkSQgMXiBXGuw4Xggye6dXvxZInzm6QhAHno-1vvoXsyzlYMdEcxfPx-DfPcyxVHDtnHFA3N/s1600/DSCF1175.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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I went a bit ghetto on the halftrack underside. The metal tracks are very heavy and I wasn't happy with the size of the glue join surfaces so I reinforced with sprue pieces to hold things together. I later covered this all over with greenstuff to solidly keep things stuck. Since it's never likely to be seen it should be fine.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjskW9PQIDFh4yKAh1NN7tf24F04DztHAVmvyernGDvJbPLVW-m5dlgAWDTNAbAmmcpS4mA8zmCFs24ETmOCZ_I8zpxnoqsJEps3vdTbniIzyxSanTOunA4IIBlRuvstrdQIGihCKYSNyvM/s1600/DSCF1179.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjskW9PQIDFh4yKAh1NN7tf24F04DztHAVmvyernGDvJbPLVW-m5dlgAWDTNAbAmmcpS4mA8zmCFs24ETmOCZ_I8zpxnoqsJEps3vdTbniIzyxSanTOunA4IIBlRuvstrdQIGihCKYSNyvM/s1600/DSCF1179.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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Here are the scale shots in the same setting as before.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYyLTxJ0UpiGPC2av-nhtcV5fw0lqpihnnER0HRjfJ20tkhHQL65jDGz1hakohFITI4rN0GGkcHEIxR1hQCnPa6udeeYUeXLP8PR5_E_nxNkBfRU4Ro43F1HW6ZTUs4H53w9G-FOaCxsjS/s1600/DSCF1180.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYyLTxJ0UpiGPC2av-nhtcV5fw0lqpihnnER0HRjfJ20tkhHQL65jDGz1hakohFITI4rN0GGkcHEIxR1hQCnPa6udeeYUeXLP8PR5_E_nxNkBfRU4Ro43F1HW6ZTUs4H53w9G-FOaCxsjS/s1600/DSCF1180.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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Again, Marneus looks like a monster who's ready to punch through the tank. If you take away the base and stone plinth though he would be somewhere about the middle of the turret, which isn't far off the quoted size for Space Marines.</div>
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All the best folks</div>
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Pete Whttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10662176026555380093noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7690045076379408958.post-60008074841166458852014-02-27T09:28:00.000+01:002014-02-27T09:30:49.154+01:00Warlord Games German Half Tracks ReviewsHi folks,<br />
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I know I've been quiet on the blogging front recently but I've been busy with painting and modelling so now I have more things to show off, which I hope you like. Most of you who read regularly will be aware that I've been strongly taken in by Warlord Games and their WW2 game Bolt Action. I picked up some extra models for this recently and took pictures of them, but only just got off my butt to upload them.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5P4Y1hZhluVEbbHZEBgxzQWebszUML6n8Xm_gLe3F1BUM5cCObAtExSJVhjORLPzHiTpYjuMwE-J9GG5PgDDe5m6o21ddDd28KHiwCvEx-FrbC7BSg8s_7GjR-yWOkWUD0alP0gr_poA8/s1600/DSCF1146.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5P4Y1hZhluVEbbHZEBgxzQWebszUML6n8Xm_gLe3F1BUM5cCObAtExSJVhjORLPzHiTpYjuMwE-J9GG5PgDDe5m6o21ddDd28KHiwCvEx-FrbC7BSg8s_7GjR-yWOkWUD0alP0gr_poA8/s1600/DSCF1146.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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Here was my first reinforcement batch. It includes the platoon leader halftrack with a 37mm cannon, a flamethrowing halftrack and an MG-42 medium machine gun team. What you see is exactly what you get in the box.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJ8cJT48vYvSLvcXhbs1leKUs0vBuKnAfyzaQ2kMWDCWDK-y3dfQ0Vmrs8DoKVBIYylSTJa7yxOf_AsRmSzg3TeS7vRefA8JWVVz0BKqt8rG_UpQftVsxkMi4R23DGh7hk8E3jo6j4IFe1/s1600/DSCF1147.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJ8cJT48vYvSLvcXhbs1leKUs0vBuKnAfyzaQ2kMWDCWDK-y3dfQ0Vmrs8DoKVBIYylSTJa7yxOf_AsRmSzg3TeS7vRefA8JWVVz0BKqt8rG_UpQftVsxkMi4R23DGh7hk8E3jo6j4IFe1/s1600/DSCF1147.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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The machine gun team is pretty simple. I had to look at a picture of the tripod online to figure out exactly which way to attach the gun to the tripod but it looks good. I put the gunner and loader on a 40mm round base (GW Terminator size) and it was fine, with just a big of overhand. Apparently the gunner has a big butt and he does not lie. The spotter is on a separate base so I can remove him as a casualty easily. Painted pictures coming soon.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjI8Jwnj7X-OXdzWBknIU0MtSBqQirDlawZpCDSMQxD9O7dSuFU91MUImUfARpM8UphNJKmsJj1P8SwwNiF3AL3nu8_pX1UdBbpaoS0FsKHZDd3C_4eThswXTSPVT2lsdrjBjMx9TxiFU8H/s1600/DSCF1148.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjI8Jwnj7X-OXdzWBknIU0MtSBqQirDlawZpCDSMQxD9O7dSuFU91MUImUfARpM8UphNJKmsJj1P8SwwNiF3AL3nu8_pX1UdBbpaoS0FsKHZDd3C_4eThswXTSPVT2lsdrjBjMx9TxiFU8H/s1600/DSCF1148.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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This is what you get for the flame half track. The right hand bag contains the wheels, crew and basic machine gun setup (as per a normal half track I think). The bottom bag contains the two flame projectors plus another set of wheels....why not :-)</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0gLQoUieelJsR81w17WEl0NOcDNJy3uyzVcq7LEm20Lr3JBwkcZxMnLFg8azYBYoVyYTGCkORD_Y75Ir2eX1tMGGzVxpW74yLJs_uvGqK43TvnqiADZ93GLKr4AbFruOfdpmqyXDVGCys/s1600/DSCF1149.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0gLQoUieelJsR81w17WEl0NOcDNJy3uyzVcq7LEm20Lr3JBwkcZxMnLFg8azYBYoVyYTGCkORD_Y75Ir2eX1tMGGzVxpW74yLJs_uvGqK43TvnqiADZ93GLKr4AbFruOfdpmqyXDVGCys/s1600/DSCF1149.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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Here are the crew figures. You get the usual Mg-42 gunner, a commander using binoculars and a creepy looking flame operator in his mask and goggles.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRr9Wgnvbcz4-d2fNTdTM-Qwr4i5rLrHLXuCC8TnTSkQBO0MefVfhO9SGCYTknIGGAC7JlfhPMNVhPr9tD68uoDM5-WN_95JbEHgrnkTITfJeCHJUd-yWSzJCrNYuFAKLw61Jyov5aJ61E/s1600/DSCF1150.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRr9Wgnvbcz4-d2fNTdTM-Qwr4i5rLrHLXuCC8TnTSkQBO0MefVfhO9SGCYTknIGGAC7JlfhPMNVhPr9tD68uoDM5-WN_95JbEHgrnkTITfJeCHJUd-yWSzJCrNYuFAKLw61Jyov5aJ61E/s1600/DSCF1150.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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Here is the resin hull. Cleanup was very minor with just a few tabs to cut off, mostly on the underside. I can see only a couple of tiny flaws in the casting. One of the rifles in the rack has a tiny bit missing and there is a hairline gap in the base of the crew compartment where the wall meets the floor. I threw a bit of greenstuff on this to cover it but the tracks glue on and hide the spot from outside too.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-BLthQyIvSjbpTajJhtVjsxDBXJ05UrfQyydauW_-LVOXDNlrTRER6qMd7ZDdtGlAeCuuyBCWFzJgXQ6Dp_Qe7Ct20lWYUBQ4jnZt-v8geqx3GYzSoc6Zmtj6KQF6jq_yImY86Ph0Vo_t/s1600/DSCF1151.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-BLthQyIvSjbpTajJhtVjsxDBXJ05UrfQyydauW_-LVOXDNlrTRER6qMd7ZDdtGlAeCuuyBCWFzJgXQ6Dp_Qe7Ct20lWYUBQ4jnZt-v8geqx3GYzSoc6Zmtj6KQF6jq_yImY86Ph0Vo_t/s1600/DSCF1151.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
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Here are the plastic frames you get for the Hanomag half track. They went together very easily and with no issues. I'm looking forward to more plastic kits for vehicles.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6LfxqiaNTFCYrY9Il_xU8hlqWCvzTePGuWJgPXwnFtbjr-inHEuW_nubglVwL1eOt1BqYUQYFDGGw4bYero_XFo9Ws05_Bes0-27kSqlAmd8PS5OFIieMecv1FAgnUmDXl-rS4xoUiV0C/s1600/DSCF1152.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6LfxqiaNTFCYrY9Il_xU8hlqWCvzTePGuWJgPXwnFtbjr-inHEuW_nubglVwL1eOt1BqYUQYFDGGw4bYero_XFo9Ws05_Bes0-27kSqlAmd8PS5OFIieMecv1FAgnUmDXl-rS4xoUiV0C/s1600/DSCF1152.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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The extra bits you get in the platoon leader's box (not the magnet set). There are two resin benches with fuel cans, the 37mm gun and mounting, plus two crew with separate heads. My buddy gave me the magnets and I'm trying to decide whether I magnetise everything or just glue it in and go with it as is. Not sure yet.#</div>
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Scale shots time</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiX1wEKUeQNPzPMh73bLrhYh-9nsYoh38xph-zWD3NZVWYEs52OanCynBCT3Nz3AQ_dFc6KNi8a0BQIKNzskAm1Fbvgk4Cfjc3vWzrmSRujfnjiSt6xOEzLLEbc1f6v23d5jXVTf1LCHYif/s1600/DSCF1176.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiX1wEKUeQNPzPMh73bLrhYh-9nsYoh38xph-zWD3NZVWYEs52OanCynBCT3Nz3AQ_dFc6KNi8a0BQIKNzskAm1Fbvgk4Cfjc3vWzrmSRujfnjiSt6xOEzLLEbc1f6v23d5jXVTf1LCHYif/s1600/DSCF1176.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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Here are the vehicles scaled against other models. As you can see, Marneus Calgar is massive but the WW2 figures are much closer in size. On the tabletop it's nice.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgTX5JqLdkCiUAewW6Q-vjkmAFsPkrGgByFqkh6D4pv-VeYOZ4t8UTEBkc0hsYDwTBpBpHLtcQT3jiKgVhE9Jbylj7mevKFkIMO9hkC_KCmkkxAZFZeMF0jcKJXVxKKOr2dR1rNeK8GaGl/s1600/DSCF1177.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgTX5JqLdkCiUAewW6Q-vjkmAFsPkrGgByFqkh6D4pv-VeYOZ4t8UTEBkc0hsYDwTBpBpHLtcQT3jiKgVhE9Jbylj7mevKFkIMO9hkC_KCmkkxAZFZeMF0jcKJXVxKKOr2dR1rNeK8GaGl/s1600/DSCF1177.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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Here you can see them with a Warlord Games British Commando and a Dark Eldar warrior.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3-DzgZ1mER6Z_WcuUL-I_UgVBeYSTF5dwmudp4ZK2m_-oiImfHVtd4_ADTAZb3BLxjRrwOQ1acvHZfvQ86rZyQHE9ucU6QR3VFuj7ouSqXaJwhpBM0E8zgBzeXXI6SQ6nPSA_cJGhufCR/s1600/DSCF1178.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3-DzgZ1mER6Z_WcuUL-I_UgVBeYSTF5dwmudp4ZK2m_-oiImfHVtd4_ADTAZb3BLxjRrwOQ1acvHZfvQ86rZyQHE9ucU6QR3VFuj7ouSqXaJwhpBM0E8zgBzeXXI6SQ6nPSA_cJGhufCR/s1600/DSCF1178.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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Here's a final shot comparing them to an Eldar Vyper jetbike. GW scale is a lot more bulky than these.</div>
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All the best everyone and more reviews on the way.</div>
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Pete</div>
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<br />Pete Whttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10662176026555380093noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7690045076379408958.post-88376644810469402442014-02-16T13:29:00.001+01:002014-02-16T14:24:51.031+01:00My entire model collection in one photo :-)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Having kicked my painting speed up quite a bit in the last few weeks and months, mostly due to the fun of Bolt Action, I decided it was high time to bring everything out of storage to check out what I have. I've been working on streamlining my collection and I'm even thinking of dropping a few more bits but for now I took over the dining room table and arranged EVERYTHING :-D</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6XPvtK4wSOSVCiLtsTs1tw0dJv3SVlYJ1-8CQQgl_FZdUbJA8Hd2fpud9vZq_szqkxYOQXh2fCa1KnA7kLITgn82fX4lZgc-GNmDai_GwvZ0HIDKCDuggqvYRMgxC3J3xWTY2tfC8xpa1/s1600/DSCF1181.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6XPvtK4wSOSVCiLtsTs1tw0dJv3SVlYJ1-8CQQgl_FZdUbJA8Hd2fpud9vZq_szqkxYOQXh2fCa1KnA7kLITgn82fX4lZgc-GNmDai_GwvZ0HIDKCDuggqvYRMgxC3J3xWTY2tfC8xpa1/s1600/DSCF1181.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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Here it is in full glory. To annotate the general picture you have (L-R)</div>
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Back row: Dreadfleet ships and islands, Dark Eldar & Eldar alliance, Bolt Action farmhouse scenery.</div>
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Front Row: Deathwing/Marines, romantic sculpt, US forces, German Forces, British commandoes</div>
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Now for more details.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0fsXpulD63_va2fJJdoNGJDKJqWJhz8R03tIvqcNEphi_22L2Hxpveu2ZVGgYO6mkCP2NKOfX2btjYlywSmPu_HR32sVNszT0R0pPC912zY9fY_mMsv8ik9-VHKht85bI2bqoBp0cFJ2l/s1600/DSCF1182.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0fsXpulD63_va2fJJdoNGJDKJqWJhz8R03tIvqcNEphi_22L2Hxpveu2ZVGgYO6mkCP2NKOfX2btjYlywSmPu_HR32sVNszT0R0pPC912zY9fY_mMsv8ik9-VHKht85bI2bqoBp0cFJ2l/s1600/DSCF1182.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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Here are my Dreadfleet ships all ready to take to the table. It's a quirky but fun game that I recommend if you have a chance. Once painted up you can have a real blast trying to sink the enemy in a crazy, fantasy pirate world.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtKGllGXCiNlxTJo6fVbLqMvpychwSf2UPb9tZT_xYCWp3sDz0h0Bmyn8LZGBhV5NcXMNUXlFAxNs6RLvgSOP0_H55pLrsBp79OS5i8tQxmzVozCkpIJ2yolYm-c4cIt528PFhpTmD1GZ9/s1600/DSCF1183.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtKGllGXCiNlxTJo6fVbLqMvpychwSf2UPb9tZT_xYCWp3sDz0h0Bmyn8LZGBhV5NcXMNUXlFAxNs6RLvgSOP0_H55pLrsBp79OS5i8tQxmzVozCkpIJ2yolYm-c4cIt528PFhpTmD1GZ9/s1600/DSCF1183.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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Here is the 2012 Christmas/Engagement gift that I sculpted and painted for my wife. It took a lot of work and time, but I'm happy with the results. Just a few more tweaks to the paint scheme (highlights mostly) since I was working with a yellow lamp that made it look warmer than it does in natural light, and I'll be ready to put it on display in one of our cabinets.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBEzAUXK8kSJlrto_2ZMNukTk6hxVFUUS8WAPm30DoNp16-m4MfsWovp2ku8iMy1XnBRyCoA_y39dZA_-MdgxAqKmPj-oKExOMNbmI_31J50aSywz-YYbMUFJUikKW2DeA3iz_-w-JIvSb/s1600/DSCF1184.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBEzAUXK8kSJlrto_2ZMNukTk6hxVFUUS8WAPm30DoNp16-m4MfsWovp2ku8iMy1XnBRyCoA_y39dZA_-MdgxAqKmPj-oKExOMNbmI_31J50aSywz-YYbMUFJUikKW2DeA3iz_-w-JIvSb/s1600/DSCF1184.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
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Some of my marine bits. Asmodai needs painting and Marneus Calgaer (left) isn't sure who to hang out with but my favourite here is the terminator in the bottom left which was painted by my wife. Her first miniature and it turned out really nicely. When I think about my first models....wow, what a difference. I need to go over the base with more green stuff to cover up my test patch and she plans to finish the heavy flamer arm then it's done.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHZViA2zv6CmWxnRQ8Y4z244NlA_CFXEIaKt0MnMAuL09Z8RdVNtdd1-lC6KD4BhdODsWkrmSYXf1cYfIfKHtPtfjO4-MSJRaJh2MAzbqAPceTT-_d2SgX0Dkc7v3VBZj1E-mhQjR-FQMK/s1600/DSCF1185.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHZViA2zv6CmWxnRQ8Y4z244NlA_CFXEIaKt0MnMAuL09Z8RdVNtdd1-lC6KD4BhdODsWkrmSYXf1cYfIfKHtPtfjO4-MSJRaJh2MAzbqAPceTT-_d2SgX0Dkc7v3VBZj1E-mhQjR-FQMK/s1600/DSCF1185.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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Here are the Deathwing in full force. They are a combination of parts from all of the different ranges. I used Terminators, Assault Terminators, Deathwing bits, Space Wolf Terminators and Grey Knight Terminators to make the army. My Belial conversion is just visible in the bottom left and Lysander has been repainted to join the battle and bring the hammer down. Sadly they are a bit too assault focused for 6th Edition and my waning 40k interest means they haven't hit the table in a while.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpjY_2WYWLhEvIeiIKnQCkoSV4WlO3Gq0b1UcKzn9FOME_n03ClspPMKQVHbfj9EFPORvxN26JjD92lNVi7fmqr-DTBpo93Fh-nFbE2_BJKpZX9dSZajUC3H_h5z9TKm7BU9Dxve9yYAtF/s1600/DSCF1186.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpjY_2WYWLhEvIeiIKnQCkoSV4WlO3Gq0b1UcKzn9FOME_n03ClspPMKQVHbfj9EFPORvxN26JjD92lNVi7fmqr-DTBpo93Fh-nFbE2_BJKpZX9dSZajUC3H_h5z9TKm7BU9Dxve9yYAtF/s1600/DSCF1186.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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The Dark Eldar Kabal with their pirate Eldar allies. These models were fun to paint after so much bone colour on the Deathwing but the real spark for them came when my wife discovered the transfer sheets and made them all look fantastic. I love seeing them together and hopefully I can get back into 40k a bit more soon to enjoy them on the tabletop again.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizltGGQG8ouHC-JT8RBfUOz609LprlsBJJCO69QErTeShJ64Gp-NwDc0SWSSaOCVyOxor9dwQqdoeo3JxIAyD5GXW_yOvMnUYwqwx_6Dqtph9304rueZDQoJIQn6fJUK3qB5hQBsBf2sVa/s1600/DSCF1187.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizltGGQG8ouHC-JT8RBfUOz609LprlsBJJCO69QErTeShJ64Gp-NwDc0SWSSaOCVyOxor9dwQqdoeo3JxIAyD5GXW_yOvMnUYwqwx_6Dqtph9304rueZDQoJIQn6fJUK3qB5hQBsBf2sVa/s1600/DSCF1187.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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The Vypers got brightlances just because I think they look really cool. I haven't played them on the table yet but we'll see how they do. I love my scourge models (in game too) but they are really annoying to transport. So beautiful but fragile, which I suppose makes them the perfect Dark Eldar unit.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTVZJVIveOARV6sFjyKNdQgN6NB0NqOXuNwJOt2sOLU0X1rxuTQ6a8GUFVuqahzxIUapYqTZnsZ5kNDPrQkWxJLAA8zCaaHUaUIPjsTR3pRK0-njn8H8XmJGuQwSWZJcI7MdGzrzYd188m/s1600/DSCF1188.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTVZJVIveOARV6sFjyKNdQgN6NB0NqOXuNwJOt2sOLU0X1rxuTQ6a8GUFVuqahzxIUapYqTZnsZ5kNDPrQkWxJLAA8zCaaHUaUIPjsTR3pRK0-njn8H8XmJGuQwSWZJcI7MdGzrzYd188m/s1600/DSCF1188.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
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Here is my one scenery piece (I will probably paint it and leave it in the FLGS) and my not-quite-finished Dark Eldar stuff. The wracks and haemonculus in the lower left are about 50% done but I don't have the motivation to work on them at the moment. The models on the right are waiting for Wayland to (finally) deliver some greenstuff and primer. I might sell/donate the second set of grotesques as I'm not sure I fancy painting up another three of them. We'll see.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLh5-ZaakUikSLlVdvVq3_L8OS99OMb9fC7aTJVgJwsYXIj6OozlIECEKt6J3wXLsHTDj9RUHm1WAVMt0tzouIX3d7vZQAkmEXWaBBd6EaA4wwf0UNiPZUbrubtLPrl4dfTJljmJR1g34p/s1600/DSCF1189.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLh5-ZaakUikSLlVdvVq3_L8OS99OMb9fC7aTJVgJwsYXIj6OozlIECEKt6J3wXLsHTDj9RUHm1WAVMt0tzouIX3d7vZQAkmEXWaBBd6EaA4wwf0UNiPZUbrubtLPrl4dfTJljmJR1g34p/s1600/DSCF1189.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
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Sorry for the blurry camera shot. This is my Bolt Action American force at the moment. From the front we have two lieutenants with adjutants (left), a bazooka and sniper team (right), then six squads of infantry built around BARs. At the back are my new additions of a Sherman tank the M-16 AA vehicle with quad .50 caliber heavy machine guns. More photos of those in another post soon.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhi8yNi0x3F-h3y1T9ZW0q_tpYIiGZbfnBsk5C3vWCVSF8KduXJvN2oKUX4iR16z3Cls0WY1o7QIEA-E0QDkvXfHAIDxzJT0CMmco08MO-7WqNx95U1bVET6vD9u7QhuLaiXMe-0wKzthPX/s1600/DSCF1190.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhi8yNi0x3F-h3y1T9ZW0q_tpYIiGZbfnBsk5C3vWCVSF8KduXJvN2oKUX4iR16z3Cls0WY1o7QIEA-E0QDkvXfHAIDxzJT0CMmco08MO-7WqNx95U1bVET6vD9u7QhuLaiXMe-0wKzthPX/s1600/DSCF1190.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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The Germans are of a similar size to the Americans but their squads are based around the light machine guns (MG-34s and MG-42s). In the foreground is Otto Skorzeny, the free model when you buy the German army book from Warlord Games, and at the back are my half tracks. On the right is the plastic/metal light anti tank one and the left is a resin/metal flame half track, which is suitably brutal in game.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuj-i7CYy9Man3D00vSnq0S8ptF9iGJ1YwuHRPhURo-kMhly_2hnoiP4eafxRlOGQp8GeeXnXERcBIU41g_dE71ykeFHcJNV99BZxqr0SkBynP9rgo-j16XkluUKRzf8VvZeEi8o5T_ryg/s1600/DSCF1191.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuj-i7CYy9Man3D00vSnq0S8ptF9iGJ1YwuHRPhURo-kMhly_2hnoiP4eafxRlOGQp8GeeXnXERcBIU41g_dE71ykeFHcJNV99BZxqr0SkBynP9rgo-j16XkluUKRzf8VvZeEi8o5T_ryg/s1600/DSCF1191.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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Here is my small British commando force. These elite troops need some backup and once I've broken the back of my remaining painting (including these chaps) then something will be on the cards for the Brits.</div>
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Well that's it from my side as far as models go. In my time I've owned many more than these including Fantasy Dwarves, old Epic models, Tau, Space Marines and Orks, not to mention the non GW games. I'm sure there will be more in the future.</div>
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Thank you for reading, I hope you enjoyed the models and if you have time then I strongly suggest you take the opportunity for a photo op of your models. It's a lot of fun and reminds you of all your hard work building, converting and painting.</div>
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All the best</div>
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Pete</div>
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Pete Whttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10662176026555380093noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7690045076379408958.post-84673444173209265472014-01-30T19:27:00.002+01:002014-01-30T19:27:20.920+01:00The German - Russian rematch. Flamethrowers versus howitzers<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
After my battering in our last game of Bolt Action, Gergely and I decided to throw down for a rematch and see if the Russians could continue their winning ways. To make it as even as possible we took basically the same 750 point forces with a few tweaks and played the same scenario, this time with the Russians on the attack. </div>
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The Germans had 8 order dice with the following troops, all regular: </div>
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- Lt + 2 men, assault rifles - 5 men with rifles and a panzerfaust</div>
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- 6 men with 2 light machine guns (LMGs) - 10 men with 3 assault rifles and 2 panzerfausts</div>
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- A regular sniper team - A medium machine gun team (MMG)</div>
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- A SdKfz 250/10 half track with light AT gun - A SdKfz 250/16 Flammenpanzer half track with MMG</div>
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The Russians brought 11 order dice as before with the following (I hope I remember correctly)</div>
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- Lt + man, SMGs - FREE squad of 11 green troops, LMG, Molotovs</div>
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- 11 men, LMG, NCO with SMG - 6 veterans with SMGs and tough fighters upgrade</div>
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- MMG team - Medium mortar with spotter</div>
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- Anti tank rifle team - Sniper team</div>
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- Su-76 assault gun upgraded with AT rounds - Zis-3 76mm light howitzer/medium AT gun</div>
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- Jeep upgraded with MMG</div>
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Going up against the Russians I often feel outgunned simply because they bring so many order dice to the table. My plan was to do my best to focus fire and wipe out units so I could level the playing field and be able to activate units as often as Gergely. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQcpSMEywHfTTJ_uOnQads04iAgKTnrAPpTfbAWBWiyKArOVZK2a-3wXB650Mrb5y9yjT6GnQKRCB0hmAaffWA8i89DC5vLE0TAcrjcAnRaZIgrFHOfcwcp36MFS2Anmxq_XjhyAQNvAOj/s1600/DSCF4965.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQcpSMEywHfTTJ_uOnQads04iAgKTnrAPpTfbAWBWiyKArOVZK2a-3wXB650Mrb5y9yjT6GnQKRCB0hmAaffWA8i89DC5vLE0TAcrjcAnRaZIgrFHOfcwcp36MFS2Anmxq_XjhyAQNvAOj/s1600/DSCF4965.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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The Germans deployed mostly in the centre trying to get as many units within 6" of the Lt to help deal with the pins from the preparatory barrage. Luckily for me, the dice was a 1 and the Russians had to come on without their artillery softening up the way. The Su-76 duly rolled on and drew a bead on my AT half track. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvAHJ_J4KFQvYb-F0JbvcuQfLRYqAc2iTc31OyPAI4XL7SC4Y7cMZkBsdv_sdKCboAAS2KDPqxvrKbbF70qOvsD1cjKJ3vr77GIl8cLss3jOodeLCM-P6DiQh_476-Ib3uqN5Z1a6y0bQa/s1600/DSCF4966.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvAHJ_J4KFQvYb-F0JbvcuQfLRYqAc2iTc31OyPAI4XL7SC4Y7cMZkBsdv_sdKCboAAS2KDPqxvrKbbF70qOvsD1cjKJ3vr77GIl8cLss3jOodeLCM-P6DiQh_476-Ib3uqN5Z1a6y0bQa/s1600/DSCF4966.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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Luckily for the Germans the 76mm shell whizzed by without hitting. Half tracks really aren't built to take on large guns as their armour of 7 isn't worth much when your opponent has a +5 bonus to his penetration rolls. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQPtsVwVsF4x8nFzOdtPKAvSapD3dXKvOVKzp3BQmlvPsCgvwq1yn44VH5O5-s-BPXw6xFr6hEXzDVSb8072O_SH2Q5_JE-GiTzfxW24u761ozUIbS7jYzWUpRwvr4N2k1lo4jMJk9fhCO/s1600/DSCF4967.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQPtsVwVsF4x8nFzOdtPKAvSapD3dXKvOVKzp3BQmlvPsCgvwq1yn44VH5O5-s-BPXw6xFr6hEXzDVSb8072O_SH2Q5_JE-GiTzfxW24u761ozUIbS7jYzWUpRwvr4N2k1lo4jMJk9fhCO/s1600/DSCF4967.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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The Russian left flank had a hefty group of attackers with veterans, green troops, the AT rifle, Jeep and covering fire from the MMG in the forest.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiexyOG8TWkt8pZhs4ZEhn1M6QT44B5-cWpok8WWzYb6rEqTnjvw-fJ8iNknHRNlHgEz-b2aUzf_mbx7m4VeK3cIlRDKUkI_jOJ-Ax5yw3Hu5xOyVK003kDAbxrbpvsVUqbPjVfDfCUexHN/s1600/DSCF4968.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiexyOG8TWkt8pZhs4ZEhn1M6QT44B5-cWpok8WWzYb6rEqTnjvw-fJ8iNknHRNlHgEz-b2aUzf_mbx7m4VeK3cIlRDKUkI_jOJ-Ax5yw3Hu5xOyVK003kDAbxrbpvsVUqbPjVfDfCUexHN/s1600/DSCF4968.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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To deal with them I sent my large squad forward towards the barricade with the Lt in tow. The small rifle squad you can see next to the tower. I decided not to enter the tower for fear of an assault from Gergely's tough, SMG-wielding veterans. In the end though, luck smiled on me and the tough veterans took one pin marker, failed their order test with a double 6 (FUBAR!) and ran off the table. A tough break for the Russians early in the game. This was coupled with my sniper getting a killing shot on the MMG team and, because every sniper shot scores exceptional damage, I could kill the gunner and wipe out the whole team in one go. Two order dice down and I was feeling a bit more confident.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoBwxlmhJEzVNxXno8S_534mxrT-VTGj1mQiAtQLXJ0-HP0IkArPdMItaGz4xK8raOVcSnifPja50kWfwA5Jo1u6U7h648ByhoOajrjV3kU9MTJC8Ke1qwdlI86NyPm-9ZyVcCiW0iRlhn/s1600/DSCF4969.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoBwxlmhJEzVNxXno8S_534mxrT-VTGj1mQiAtQLXJ0-HP0IkArPdMItaGz4xK8raOVcSnifPja50kWfwA5Jo1u6U7h648ByhoOajrjV3kU9MTJC8Ke1qwdlI86NyPm-9ZyVcCiW0iRlhn/s1600/DSCF4969.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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Gergely sent his jeep around the tower along with his freshly upgraded squad of 'green' troops. ***When a squad of green troops takes the first casualty you roll a D6, on a 1 they take extra pins, 2-5 has no effect and a 6 upgrades them to regular....guess what he rolled for them.....again haha). They shot up my rifle squad at close range and my return fire wasn't so good. The panzerfaust missed the jeep and two rifles weren't going to kill much. Luckily the Flammenpanzer could get close enough to torch the jeep. In the background you can clearly see my jealous hands on the Armies of the Soviet Union book. Soon I hope to get the German book to see what sort of special tricks I can bring to the table.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfM1xPMwbFA-AWqSshRQzjr6sKeGKtfGUE7UsvyDdevyEdrUVZelfPpcM0awEXYSu50FUtVA3o-QjzZhxRj5cIXqkIVgqbvu3hdjrktEXL4vfrCgWiIaun2Y5zIz0jrXHbDApXI06uieqY/s1600/DSCF4970.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfM1xPMwbFA-AWqSshRQzjr6sKeGKtfGUE7UsvyDdevyEdrUVZelfPpcM0awEXYSu50FUtVA3o-QjzZhxRj5cIXqkIVgqbvu3hdjrktEXL4vfrCgWiIaun2Y5zIz0jrXHbDApXI06uieqY/s1600/DSCF4970.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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Gergely's backfield was taking fire from my MMG team in the tower as well as the large squad hiding in behind the barricade. I'm really glad I got into cover sooner rather than later because it saved my guys from a lot of casualties.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjK-NuL7o9J95okD92azEBstbmM-hQVmtuE396GPWsi9VfHix54Xks9jxt0_ePdyVlG2CKvLf0c7NfBfOzjQAiY1lo-FHc_r2gR0VlZxmo561DVuC77z0S2pbDHj7Zij0lJnQVXOcExRCw1/s1600/DSCF4971.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjK-NuL7o9J95okD92azEBstbmM-hQVmtuE396GPWsi9VfHix54Xks9jxt0_ePdyVlG2CKvLf0c7NfBfOzjQAiY1lo-FHc_r2gR0VlZxmo561DVuC77z0S2pbDHj7Zij0lJnQVXOcExRCw1/s1600/DSCF4971.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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However I did take some casualties. You can see the Lt's two men in the dirt, which cost me two assault rifles but luckily my commander passed his morale check and didn't run. I don't recall what killed them (the MMG, jeep or green squad I think) but I know the sniper was looking to draw a bead on them all game. Being able to ignore cover modifiers makes these scoped hunters nasty to face.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioQW6LvzQTKeS7KTGSywQ7KeM5OIljla5PPWUWlHGloiVzTX-bjVFznCl-paD2IOvKNnqLxj2Q-RYAefosXMMFG0bl7W2cw6VJJAf2lFPtQBmck5vzaf5ws1wjF2WkIDwyhHA2CREbrWtG/s1600/DSCF4972.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioQW6LvzQTKeS7KTGSywQ7KeM5OIljla5PPWUWlHGloiVzTX-bjVFznCl-paD2IOvKNnqLxj2Q-RYAefosXMMFG0bl7W2cw6VJJAf2lFPtQBmck5vzaf5ws1wjF2WkIDwyhHA2CREbrWtG/s1600/DSCF4972.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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The Russian mortar spent the whole game throwing explosive shells my way, guided by their brave spotter in the woods. They took out a couple of troops from my double LMG squad (who also got hit with a howitzer shell) and then hit and killed the MMG team in the tower, removing a chunk of firepower from an elevated vantage point....damn.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhy2K_uMtVd6OpZYFFy-BX_Y3O_vun_V3KhjBmuQo0zcDc0G175EN-b5VYBKxXxlErLi72VvQUp-CUWoMmgdWBhMmGtreCwymES_QKKypi8fkeD6HBgrkkLnwH9d9vQmMvfLProXJKXqHS9/s1600/DSCF4973.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhy2K_uMtVd6OpZYFFy-BX_Y3O_vun_V3KhjBmuQo0zcDc0G175EN-b5VYBKxXxlErLi72VvQUp-CUWoMmgdWBhMmGtreCwymES_QKKypi8fkeD6HBgrkkLnwH9d9vQmMvfLProXJKXqHS9/s1600/DSCF4973.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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Unfortunately we don't have more pictures of it but after three 76mm armour piercing shells streaked past its thin armour my half track decided to get out of the firing lane and motored around the flank. It avoided another shell due to the forest's cover then went for broke, closing to point blank range on the Su-76's flank....where it missed....MISSED I TELLS YA!!!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDz6yVSYyP6era6GldBRjZ8aelH_qQaK46GFDndCoy0KMugjPF1jfgkp5wZCt51UTYPQ-e1DAK43yLrnytPYrMyQ0Yvo-08lgsVznLXrDkIPErhDHlEnfxrSDunTFBsyXt-7qftsGsRigp/s1600/DSCF4974.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDz6yVSYyP6era6GldBRjZ8aelH_qQaK46GFDndCoy0KMugjPF1jfgkp5wZCt51UTYPQ-e1DAK43yLrnytPYrMyQ0Yvo-08lgsVznLXrDkIPErhDHlEnfxrSDunTFBsyXt-7qftsGsRigp/s1600/DSCF4974.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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The Su-76 popped into reverse and guess what....didn't miss. We laughed about the poor luck of the Germans here as the shell set the half track on fire. The crew failed their morale check so they bailed out instead of putting out the fire. My most reliable anti tank weapon was gone and I'd lost an order dice curses.</div>
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We've jumped on a bit here in the photos but I got lucky. My large squad jumped out from behind the barricades and over the next turns went into the woods, pinned down a squad, moved up behind the Su-76 and blew the tracks off with panzerfausts, leaving it immobilised and facing the wrong way, assaulted the sniper team, moved out to gun down the mortars and then started back towards the howitzer.</div>
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Not quite in shot is my dead Lt who ran after the big squad and failed to hit the pinned Russians three turns in a row before they assaulted and killed him.</div>
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The LMG support squad kill off the Lt's killers on their way to take on the Su-76 in assault. Because it is open topped we had a fair chance to hurt it.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHxxiPTmpp17PaH6brTQjZtAEK4bg0WTMLFwHrxYOayHxBSq4n1F5A9kWyBMklH1hN-VuSKmPpL1KeSwF-IaZlUybJn_gDAjSSAvWrXdIBhP_dFEjyOykQJf6UMOCwKa1vyb-82muGBvzS/s1600/DSCF4977.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHxxiPTmpp17PaH6brTQjZtAEK4bg0WTMLFwHrxYOayHxBSq4n1F5A9kWyBMklH1hN-VuSKmPpL1KeSwF-IaZlUybJn_gDAjSSAvWrXdIBhP_dFEjyOykQJf6UMOCwKa1vyb-82muGBvzS/s1600/DSCF4977.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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The Flammenpanzer, for all it's reputation, was a mixed bag. It killed stuff, sure. The jeep, half a squad and the AT rifle all fell to its flames or machine gun rounds. It was also blessed with the good luck to survive an AT shell from the howitzer. Then the comical bad luck game where it failed an order test (3 pins) and reversed. Next turn it passed an order check (2 pins) and raced up the flank. One more burst of speed would put it close enough to take out the howitzer and so it, of course, failed the order test and reversed away from the enemy again. What a yoyo :-)</div>
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Fresh from their mortar team kill, the big squad pours on the shots and without the gun shield's protection the crew fell to the bullets. Lesson learned, flank guns if you need to kill them.</div>
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The victorious German squad in the Soviet backfield</div>
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We had a quick go against the Su-76.</div>
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ASSAULT! With just four men though, we couldn't muster killing damage. </div>
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At this point, with just an immobilised assault gun that was pointing the wrong way, Gergely conceded and the Germans held the victory. Revenge was ours for now.</div>
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While it turned out to be quite a strong German victory I had some great luck on my side. Gergely failing to get the bombardment was a big one as I had no pins or kills to deal with. Also he was very unlucky that his veterans got a FUBAR result and ran off the field without doing anything. I was also lucky not to lose my half track earlier on because that drew the Russian attention and kept the howitzers off my vulnerable infantry teams. </div>
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Just like the last game this one kept me engaged and challenged throughout. We both enjoyed the back and forth of the game, cheered the other's success and commiserated the bad luck. I'm lucky to have found a gentlemanly opponent who is often generous with LOS or cover and refused to take any favours. I suggested that his veterans should fall back to near the table edge and not run off but he refused the offer and fought on. A lot of fun from the game and I can't wait to play more games.</div>
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All the best everyone</div>
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Pete</div>
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PS: I realise that I also inadvertently 'cheated' because I told Gergely that his gun's had a 48" range (light howitzers) when actually they jump to 60" when firing as medium anti tank guns. I think he took a penalty for firing over half range when actually it was under half range for the AT round. Gergely...I apologise :-)</div>
<br />Pete Whttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10662176026555380093noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7690045076379408958.post-26736810869476258682014-01-12T18:38:00.000+01:002014-01-12T18:38:06.018+01:00Flamethrowers and tanks! The reinforcements arrive for Bolt Action :-)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Hi folks,</div>
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My gaming buddy and I recently took advantage of Warlord Games' vehicle offer (buy 3 vehicles, get 10% off all of them) to add some reinforcements to our armies. He had it easy since he plays only Russians but I've got more challenges as I'm rocking Germans, Americans and British. I got all three because I knew I'd have to start building the scene and having at least two forces was a good way to start. However, for this order I decided to focus on the Germans since they'll be able to play against every other force.</div>
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For the game we stepped up to 750 pts and it was a great challenge. Both of us had new units to use and new things to work on. I was particularly interested to see how my flame half track fared. We'd heard that it could be overpowered in the game and so this was a testing match of sorts.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgq1mxZO34PPEDomk-WBkPSvAFFBcJLgG21z8u9LUoVEuxjRIv3HIYW5XpkaTgnM-zgUxX6urkw0KPHNgim3fqMAz9Y3As_oWSPDPSWQCzkYV9A0PsMPKHoO0Q0I9fe3ijBPGNblHlkCebk/s1600/P1110147.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgq1mxZO34PPEDomk-WBkPSvAFFBcJLgG21z8u9LUoVEuxjRIv3HIYW5XpkaTgnM-zgUxX6urkw0KPHNgim3fqMAz9Y3As_oWSPDPSWQCzkYV9A0PsMPKHoO0Q0I9fe3ijBPGNblHlkCebk/s1600/P1110147.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
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750pts of Germans. I had 8 order dice and the army, front to back, comprised a 6 man squad with 2 LMGs, a 10 man squad with 3 assault rifles, a 6 man squad with 2 panzerfausts, a 3 man command team with assault rifles, a sniper team, an MG42 medium machine gun, the aforementioned flame half track and a half track sporting a 37mm light anti tank gun.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3frK3RkaBmfMxC49MTVwC0YMq2guIvqcqu_mRL7IQkUeljbGWLzNXdtelSuoAipTYyItu97RW2Dx1qSnBk3cP9mm4A4xIecKivGNc899R6E6MrrL7KEaJYK8bF3Mhxjl2SYHHDpzjIvRQ/s1600/P1110148.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3frK3RkaBmfMxC49MTVwC0YMq2guIvqcqu_mRL7IQkUeljbGWLzNXdtelSuoAipTYyItu97RW2Dx1qSnBk3cP9mm4A4xIecKivGNc899R6E6MrrL7KEaJYK8bF3Mhxjl2SYHHDpzjIvRQ/s1600/P1110148.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
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Gergely's veritable horde of Russians was intimidating to face. Three 11 man squads, a commander, a medium machine gun, an anti-tank rifle, a sniper team, a medium mortar with spotter then the reinforcements of a machine gun jeep, a light howitzer and an SU-76 assault gun. Phew, 11 dice of Ruskies coming my way :-)</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhi86HbRKRrA3fCv6aPmYILyG9kPC427d5xkIvkh8NC6FFNE2MQ3VKxCYaVDbDOi3CEZuSGonnUswYbrtfr6pblDSh1pphN9toVVwxkg2cuciBAOQmGN8NBZcbrhSaUg6nMCuS5lUIj1tVI/s1600/P1110149.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhi86HbRKRrA3fCv6aPmYILyG9kPC427d5xkIvkh8NC6FFNE2MQ3VKxCYaVDbDOi3CEZuSGonnUswYbrtfr6pblDSh1pphN9toVVwxkg2cuciBAOQmGN8NBZcbrhSaUg6nMCuS5lUIj1tVI/s1600/P1110149.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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Our match left me as the attacker going up against the Russian gunline. We nominated the three buildings as the objectives (two you can see here, the other is just out of frame, foreground right) and I went on the offensive. My preliminary bombardment was great, putting pin markers on nearly every Russian unit and even killing the officer's adjutant. Not a bad start. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSLttKl5ZQ_0CdNnB5g1Q-zXU7w40NXCXMdnl_MAifYd72CxuHFnzZtprleoQWxIhhTtgfYUcWqNw1UYj9CW3HMdXj7BgurR2cjk5gkxFp7LSWbsyNDEMYYqSfIiXgXnx0gGGHu-nN7uwN/s1600/P1110150.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSLttKl5ZQ_0CdNnB5g1Q-zXU7w40NXCXMdnl_MAifYd72CxuHFnzZtprleoQWxIhhTtgfYUcWqNw1UYj9CW3HMdXj7BgurR2cjk5gkxFp7LSWbsyNDEMYYqSfIiXgXnx0gGGHu-nN7uwN/s1600/P1110150.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
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So.....flamethrowers....pretty nasty...</div>
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This picture shows the effects of a single advance order from the flame half track. I moved up, getting range on both squads and with my two flamethrowers, I could split fire. Flamethrowers automatically hit (18" range for vehicles), putting 2D6 hits (+3 to damage, meaning 2+ to kill infantry) and D3+1 pin markers on each unit. I took out five from squad 1 and four from squad 2 and dumped pin markers all over them. Both squads took their mandatory, post-flame, morale check and failed, despite re-rolls. In one turn I took out 22 infantry and two order dice. Wow!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIDJ4MwkXtg8UnogSxMUUW54pLnSd3cpJI03ZkuB5-tfwChPwKcF-xS5DYl9bceIdTAxYMbJyyS2TfhXBQ3XlKQ7IeJWoZiv-JmVnYKuIJFiJ9fNU9gLr5N50BXCmvyaa8i1dTQTTEsJ8t/s1600/P1110151.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIDJ4MwkXtg8UnogSxMUUW54pLnSd3cpJI03ZkuB5-tfwChPwKcF-xS5DYl9bceIdTAxYMbJyyS2TfhXBQ3XlKQ7IeJWoZiv-JmVnYKuIJFiJ9fNU9gLr5N50BXCmvyaa8i1dTQTTEsJ8t/s1600/P1110151.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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Luckily for Gergely his reserved Su-76 came in. He'd kept it off the table to avoid the pre-battle barrage. Sadly for him it missed the flame half track and I prepared to burn some more.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEK1yOHADgtcMVXqFoVQ5HHhf0ZBwhnKoZvYzurc2jRtFmyGcL4-Y72l0EuV7ydQCDY-wmMOG_z-WXtOJGpdPh3p_uIC7XedAtWV5npjyx7wdkW0qbUUepyWlw6aJM2cNr7_JOcSArRS7H/s1600/P1110152.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEK1yOHADgtcMVXqFoVQ5HHhf0ZBwhnKoZvYzurc2jRtFmyGcL4-Y72l0EuV7ydQCDY-wmMOG_z-WXtOJGpdPh3p_uIC7XedAtWV5npjyx7wdkW0qbUUepyWlw6aJM2cNr7_JOcSArRS7H/s1600/P1110152.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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Here's where it went wrong for me. Reluctant to expose my flame vehicle to the howitzer and AT rifle I tucked it into the cover of the trees and declared a double flamethrower attack against the Su-76. I was out of range by 1/2"! Damn. The Russians, ignoring the waves of flame just in front of the tank, put an armour piercing shell through the thin plating of the half track and left it destroyed (and probably burning).</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqc6L3948cR5ktUxl7K01b1LD43CXsMhFcO1zRb3ocr2Z9ApuxxOIV98729v1JMJ0KWVknoAltf3I7-4FweMRlKScigJDCDhreev7jf7-Vf4HerSvPrsSZvWyefZCy0b5WkJ7s9JB5wX_m/s1600/P1110153.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqc6L3948cR5ktUxl7K01b1LD43CXsMhFcO1zRb3ocr2Z9ApuxxOIV98729v1JMJ0KWVknoAltf3I7-4FweMRlKScigJDCDhreev7jf7-Vf4HerSvPrsSZvWyefZCy0b5WkJ7s9JB5wX_m/s1600/P1110153.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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I did my best to take out the assault gun but a half track with a light gun isn't going to have a good fight against a more heavily armed and armoured foe. My half track fell victim to another 76mm shell.</div>
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From there I did my best to enact revenge but I was just outgunned and unable to turn the tide. I took out a few more troops with my machine gun, who narrowly avoided the mortar's fire before shooting them down at long range. Otherwise my troops just got bogged down and hit by enfilading fire. The panzerfaust squad couldn't make it close enough to shoot at the Su-76 before they were pinned and battered from all sides.</div>
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I lost the game as I failed to capture two of the three objectives. In the end I had one and Gergely had one, but with a large chunk of his force intact and mine battered and bruised, the Russians had definitely carried the day. </div>
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The star unit for me was actually the MMG. I can't deny that the flame half track was brutal but I think the plucky MG-42 team who stayed brave as the mortar started zeroing in on them, pinned the infantry and the howitzer then finally turned their gun on the mortar and wiped it out deserve a pat on the back.</div>
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From the Russian side the best moment was the MMG jeep. It drove right into my lines (crazy Ivan indeed) and gunned down troops at point blank range. It took fire but survived with just a pin marker, then failed it's order test and reversed manically between two Wermacht squads around a hedge and to safety.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgd3tS5FsdR55muJJQYDg6qIWd7iVdRCLvFchVLJ6_GdZbwe__u9FeoN9fPzIgKd2KdakGpzOTDxTP96Rob5RIsnrWQp61fEvSq2vPjOHnKLiPdueUMBp6SKwrQZhkTp3e2p1vtLHBcD5hK/s1600/flamenwerfer.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgd3tS5FsdR55muJJQYDg6qIWd7iVdRCLvFchVLJ6_GdZbwe__u9FeoN9fPzIgKd2KdakGpzOTDxTP96Rob5RIsnrWQp61fEvSq2vPjOHnKLiPdueUMBp6SKwrQZhkTp3e2p1vtLHBcD5hK/s1600/flamenwerfer.jpg" height="268" width="320" /></a></div>
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What about flamethrowers? Are they overpowered? </div>
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Gergely thinks no, but I think I need a few more games to really decide. It took out two squads like a dream and had it been a tiny bit closer I think I'd have taken out the Su-76, giving me a chance to burn my way across the field and rolling up one flank. The flammpanzerwagen feels like a lot of eggs in one unit. It's expensive (168 points), pretty vulnerable but has the chance to brutalise the enemy, especially if you take out the main anti tank threats. We'll see what it comes to in future games.</div>
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All the best and keep your eyes open for model reviews in short order.</div>
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Pete :-)</div>
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<br />Pete Whttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10662176026555380093noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7690045076379408958.post-44013711769043777412014-01-05T20:54:00.002+01:002014-01-05T20:54:34.404+01:00500pts of Bolt Action making 40k feel flat as a game.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Hi folks,</div>
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Happy New Year and welcome to my first two games of 2014. </div>
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My buddy Greg and I managed to get in two games. We're very much into Bolt Action but he was also keen to give 40k a try as he's a WFB player and was always tempted by the Dark Eldar (he's the source of my new Haemonculus Coven models). We went for a 500pt game of Bolt Action and then a ~1000pt game of 40k.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOmhZc3TAb2iftdGGGSmKlmcv0GvUewg82A5pNTgKjSOPvzvinrqaBFnHm6CnTXUaNLFnL6VnrhR2q4fv4Tl9qOfgbWRzSBkjtLrM5rjb1SFjZw5lloeUFjUkAzH0ruOE9N5mTfmnaQcEI/s1600/DSCF1138.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOmhZc3TAb2iftdGGGSmKlmcv0GvUewg82A5pNTgKjSOPvzvinrqaBFnHm6CnTXUaNLFnL6VnrhR2q4fv4Tl9qOfgbWRzSBkjtLrM5rjb1SFjZw5lloeUFjUkAzH0ruOE9N5mTfmnaQcEI/s320/DSCF1138.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Here are Greg's new Russian support weapons. A medium machine gun with a gun shield (6+ to kill if shooting from the front arc) and a medium mortar team.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9I-QxdlcBSrrjDMq-fqTilyKS7NaNUEhouN3NLCESlk4gc-ntMa2ujmzcQW-ATfBjQkUaFS8oq8qogG28bRUawiMwEg5jNM1cSetHNcg_D5hUCTciForH8thUZTndnXNm1zSLposKshn3/s1600/DSCF1139.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9I-QxdlcBSrrjDMq-fqTilyKS7NaNUEhouN3NLCESlk4gc-ntMa2ujmzcQW-ATfBjQkUaFS8oq8qogG28bRUawiMwEg5jNM1cSetHNcg_D5hUCTciForH8thUZTndnXNm1zSLposKshn3/s320/DSCF1139.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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His assembled troops squads. The lying miniatures on the right are his sniper team (shooter + spotter) and in the middle of the troops, at the back, you should be able to make out his light machine gun team.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlYjx9Y_LN_802LXi2hhK8v5hE5QKNltqHHB07723JJ5w6pwJWYZ9OO80zR6D2mKoFGxZIeTIZ3sgsfLxyVCj9kAZGLhJ4qUkd7QHDFTAtf1FpAWC-8N_k3pH4Xgl3WTxQStBKberIK_Z2/s1600/DSCF1140.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlYjx9Y_LN_802LXi2hhK8v5hE5QKNltqHHB07723JJ5w6pwJWYZ9OO80zR6D2mKoFGxZIeTIZ3sgsfLxyVCj9kAZGLhJ4qUkd7QHDFTAtf1FpAWC-8N_k3pH4Xgl3WTxQStBKberIK_Z2/s320/DSCF1140.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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For the Germans I brought a 6 order dice list comprised of my 2nd Lt, a veteran sniper team and four infantry squads. Greg had 7 order dice - 2nd Lt, two 11 man squads, a medium machine gun, a medium mortar with spotter, a sniper team and a free 11 man squad from the Russian special rule (all regular).</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOqzyCZf-Uakru4Nvwx19IsbtrGdhv_W88-VJgXeEHthT0as56V-qeMR5PxqBGS252VpW-ejWGOVkjQCBBSICxsFEMPe7VfuTJ9wjnNMRF1aN2lv2AfGIZh7oylh0NdgdLNWzGx6iSETo1/s1600/DSCF1141.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOqzyCZf-Uakru4Nvwx19IsbtrGdhv_W88-VJgXeEHthT0as56V-qeMR5PxqBGS252VpW-ejWGOVkjQCBBSICxsFEMPe7VfuTJ9wjnNMRF1aN2lv2AfGIZh7oylh0NdgdLNWzGx6iSETo1/s320/DSCF1141.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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We rolled the attrition mission and had to move on in the first turn. We both sent all the models in in a single wave, not keeping any reserves. Greg brought the Russians onto the table relatively evenly spread but I was a bit worried about his numerical superiority and so I used the big building on the left to block LOS to several of my units while I tried to focus on the right flank.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7LLfqkC2kljoa5bL2hyphenhyphenOpLaLmKS1F2XYNwKDbwWFLOzQN9fJ2F0MNzR1NoawyRU79KThRKeN_pqPU1zj3ynCaWjOAIIT-pK5fLuARmYVDewGwVH7Ue_WtEfLR51LRCUmrmuIsOslgRwYc/s1600/DSCF1142.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7LLfqkC2kljoa5bL2hyphenhyphenOpLaLmKS1F2XYNwKDbwWFLOzQN9fJ2F0MNzR1NoawyRU79KThRKeN_pqPU1zj3ynCaWjOAIIT-pK5fLuARmYVDewGwVH7Ue_WtEfLR51LRCUmrmuIsOslgRwYc/s320/DSCF1142.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Here we are in the early stages of the game. It swung dramatically back and forth but as the turns wore on, I managed to take out enough of the Russians and pin the remainder so much that they couldn't mount an effective counterattack. I took casualties of course, in particular my commander who fell to a lucky sniper shot through the building's window, but overall managed to wear down the Russians.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjc0TG39hGCUFol4XnsXNP5drwRY__2ICSbWtEu38ZF7_J0Hbh_nzW0a7ZPwsn8D11VGfgOZzty6iD6zPCr10de-6IPI6A5vC-pabfqm21-oy3Husspk9HfxBcjsXNtNdXaW0ob8PeOZpSf/s1600/DSCF1143.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjc0TG39hGCUFol4XnsXNP5drwRY__2ICSbWtEu38ZF7_J0Hbh_nzW0a7ZPwsn8D11VGfgOZzty6iD6zPCr10de-6IPI6A5vC-pabfqm21-oy3Husspk9HfxBcjsXNtNdXaW0ob8PeOZpSf/s320/DSCF1143.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Here is the end of the game. Having outgunned, outflanked and outlucked the Russians, my three surviving squads closed in on the final member of the Russian side who chose to abandon his mortar and run back to the Motherland. Undoubtedly he'll return with reinforcements for a rematch.</div>
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The game was a lot of fun. Both of us had our share of lucky moments and failed order tests that cost us dearly. Highlights include:</div>
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<li>A mortar round guided by the spotter rolls 6 hits and wipes out an entire Wermacht squad. </li>
<li>The Russian officer is sniped but his adjutant runs bravely forwards towards the building before failing three order tests (7 or less on 2D6) in a row and cowering on the ground.</li>
<li>The flanking squad luckily surviving fire from a light machine gun, then a medium machine gun, killing both, killing the spotter then getting hit by a mortar round and pinned down en route to the final kill.</li>
<li>The German sniper killing an officer early on and then pinning a squad while failing to kill anyone for about five turns.</li>
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My favourite part of this game was that neither of us had a clear advantage all the way through and it wasn't until the last couple of turns that the game really swung to the German side. A few different dice rolls could have taken it the other way. Also, I remember having (and I think Greg also had) real challenges choosing which unit to activate first when I got an order die. This part of the game is really fun. Do you take the sniper and risk that single shot that can pick off an NCO or special weapon, or is it better to move your big squad out of the line of fire in case the opponent gets the next order die? These kind of questions keep you involved the whole time. Also, given that we basically alternated activation, I never felt that I was just waiting for my guys to die before it was my turn again.</div>
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Both of us finished the game with big grins and are excited for the next order from Warlord Games, which will be bringing halftracks, flamethrowers and machine guns for the Germans, and artillery, jeep and light armour support for the Russians. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-DxQyzplMsofUMKKXQPmNqMdiYn2ZbUr6ZjrLWzZIp6F3P3VLMTCSrKNmnkf31U_myLi6PmB9ejMg-A0C_9Qj5mhzZ20FjcC9nau2uoSkVjMxYwrHeRhbGuMKaYRdCvyEGZYER7T2p8cF/s1600/DSCF1144.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-DxQyzplMsofUMKKXQPmNqMdiYn2ZbUr6ZjrLWzZIp6F3P3VLMTCSrKNmnkf31U_myLi6PmB9ejMg-A0C_9Qj5mhzZ20FjcC9nau2uoSkVjMxYwrHeRhbGuMKaYRdCvyEGZYER7T2p8cF/s320/DSCF1144.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Next up was an introductory game of 40k on the same terrain. The armies were just over 1000 points and chosen to give a flavour of different things for Greg to try. He took the Dark Eldar, in order to play tricksy and I brought the Deathwing to be polar opposites. It was a pretty quick game with lots of casualties. The Deathwing clinched it in the end after a few turns but with some losses.</div>
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That said, the game just felt flat to both of us. Greg picked up 40k quickly and we didn't have rules challenges but a lot of things felt really stupid. In particular the shooting drove us both crazy.</div>
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Why does standing still and shooting at point blank range give me the same chance of hitting as when my troops sprint around a building and fire at maximum range through a forest against a single model in cover? It just runs really counter intuitively now. I know the cover save element comes into it, but the single save mechanic of 40k means that the Deathwing and other good armour troops have little reason to seek cover and take no benefit from it.</div>
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By the end of the Bolt Action game we felt pretty stoked, challenged and interested to play more.</div>
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By the end of the 40k game we felt just a bit...meh...and agreed the excitement wasn't there.</div>
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Now I love the models and background for 40k, enjoy painting a variety of different units and admit that it might just be that I've been playing a different game for a while now, which has skewed my perception of rules. Still, it hasn't got me excited to expand my armies at all. Maybe I need a few more games to get back into the swing of things. </div>
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All the best everyone.</div>
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Pete :-)</div>
<br />Pete Whttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10662176026555380093noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7690045076379408958.post-24430705057751683182014-01-02T14:38:00.001+01:002014-01-02T14:38:11.709+01:00Christmas painting season, then the wife rediscovers transfers :-)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Happy New Year everyone.</div>
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I hope you all had (or are still having) a great holiday season and relaxed nicely with family and friends. I know that I did and I'm still lucky enough to be off from teaching English until next week. Terrible for the bank balance (I'm freelance so no work = no pay) but great for relaxation and my hobby time. </div>
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Over Christmas we spent a week in my wife's home village in southern Slovakia. It was as relaxing as usual since my mother in law refused nearly all offers of help and wouldn't let me cook/clean/wash up or do much other than relax. Well...if you insist ;-)</div>
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While the ladies chatted happily in Hungarian and baked oodles of tasty treats, I decided to kick butt on the painting front. I took my totally unpainted Eldar Jetbike force down with me and can happily report that I returned with all of the primed models totally painted. Then when arranging them on my desk at home my wife discovered the transfer sheets and her face lit up. When she was younger, she and her cousin loved using transfers to decorate eggs and the like. She gave me the puppy dog eyes and how could I refuse. An hour later she'd stuck them in just about every place they could go on the models.....and given them the pop that they really needed to stand out. </div>
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Enjoy</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgV4zd5SNNTozrlXdrZJb9c5Pr43gqgXDJTO6P1fmEO9hVdubIJxSB4llHZpWTP0oSYX2BMlksgAcZYAZzcxstRiAfHN4XvPpFc3zgiSW1jkt1Z6CxAjOcbPyq3dQ8rJ4gyG4QmtAiXwKRt/s1600/DSCF1129.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgV4zd5SNNTozrlXdrZJb9c5Pr43gqgXDJTO6P1fmEO9hVdubIJxSB4llHZpWTP0oSYX2BMlksgAcZYAZzcxstRiAfHN4XvPpFc3zgiSW1jkt1Z6CxAjOcbPyq3dQ8rJ4gyG4QmtAiXwKRt/s320/DSCF1129.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Here is the paintscheme in general. I wanted to do something different to the Dark Eldar but stay close enough to tie the two forces together. I went for an armour colour match but the bikes were in gold and blue.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUOYZlkRYvM2GzX7RMMB-lkXzXQPFRezlTB4ZEc2J9G2eRjfisoxQD68GlXAX3f2O1Bp7s4C3Iq4HHfcGxiSf_15t-KIVH_xIm3XgNeTZLQXk1wZEFAKUHdqLL3VTKRlgwZWdiym4xWYDa/s1600/DSCF1130.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUOYZlkRYvM2GzX7RMMB-lkXzXQPFRezlTB4ZEc2J9G2eRjfisoxQD68GlXAX3f2O1Bp7s4C3Iq4HHfcGxiSf_15t-KIVH_xIm3XgNeTZLQXk1wZEFAKUHdqLL3VTKRlgwZWdiym4xWYDa/s320/DSCF1130.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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My aerial assault force ready for battle, replete with awesome new transfers. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNuc3NIVKjbyuwt8pjBD_QsU-PmFyNHbawKYPzWIHYZZJYL4aFg9f_GFJD6pXe9SaJKP5gGEdgSAw-tVsKLQPCc0QjG9AN6MPWJGkX1aKl7MgOSjvWXLSBBo3ou1g_yG16At6euEuTSFOj/s1600/DSCF1131.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNuc3NIVKjbyuwt8pjBD_QsU-PmFyNHbawKYPzWIHYZZJYL4aFg9f_GFJD6pXe9SaJKP5gGEdgSAw-tVsKLQPCc0QjG9AN6MPWJGkX1aKl7MgOSjvWXLSBBo3ou1g_yG16At6euEuTSFOj/s320/DSCF1131.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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The Autarch is now glued and placed on his Rhino-blade-bike and I'll prime him in the next batch of models.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEie32p3Jmd3Y22juzHdbJ0TYtPDWxdyVcEHxR8KF8K612wyZdGNZrf7nwMqr8UJnAfUN85mGhoOKLkFuZXTL364k0gtihGCmoTNxCSNKUD9umu0VKKJ2cIa7AkG0G6LWAbXT5XtP5JwsKId/s1600/DSCF1132.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEie32p3Jmd3Y22juzHdbJ0TYtPDWxdyVcEHxR8KF8K612wyZdGNZrf7nwMqr8UJnAfUN85mGhoOKLkFuZXTL364k0gtihGCmoTNxCSNKUD9umu0VKKJ2cIa7AkG0G6LWAbXT5XtP5JwsKId/s320/DSCF1132.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Here is my farseer conversion on the triple bladed bike with a singing spear.</div>
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Side view showing the greenstuff handle. Since I spliced two spears together (the shaft from a Venom flagpole spear and the head from a Scourge power spear) I knew I'd need to reinforce the joint. I went for the twisted pattern you see here. It's not perfect but once painted up I hope it'll look good. I still want to greenstuff a cloak to make the model stand out but that's still on the cards.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4B7DGMINU4U1gQt2hehPw6dIjgN9cV_G9FOdsWl_f22JkgomXiFgjYkefAFdCla-2wAiAURr_t_y4hp6I86FLKIuzSa3c026r_-Iv-Po59E6nPUtQYY0_E0o7WAUSRbReMxP7BlcEkG-b/s1600/DSCF1137.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4B7DGMINU4U1gQt2hehPw6dIjgN9cV_G9FOdsWl_f22JkgomXiFgjYkefAFdCla-2wAiAURr_t_y4hp6I86FLKIuzSa3c026r_-Iv-Po59E6nPUtQYY0_E0o7WAUSRbReMxP7BlcEkG-b/s320/DSCF1137.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Now I've moved on to the Finecast haemonculus batch I received as gifts before Christmas. I'm doing the messy parts first with the pale skin (Menoth white base, blue wash, highlights) and then I'll get onto the other colours to bring the models up. Any thoughts on colour schemes here? I'm thinking of going with a flesh/hide skirt colour but need something to tie them into the rest of the force. Since the others use red with a touch of purple as a spot colour I'm considering the opposite here. I think that the haemonculus force being different from the main force but consistent with one another will look nasty. </div>
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Best wishes to everyone and comments welcome :-)</div>
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Pete</div>
<br />Pete Whttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10662176026555380093noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7690045076379408958.post-82004971641931975372013-12-29T10:22:00.000+01:002013-12-29T10:22:55.826+01:00Dark Eldar Grotesques Finecast Review - Number 2<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqOsIQvOMvzy8Uo64Di_mqIPZh-96cP7Vaz6lLop407UDrLo-I2dJaPLGl-1DmEF4UiQf-8-CCEbmd6b3kj64bE7U3r8Wa2EOWpZUBFG43x-nHGSHsC6e3TINLsJH1cPyPGAsWs-gCVbvb/s1600/DSCF1085.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqOsIQvOMvzy8Uo64Di_mqIPZh-96cP7Vaz6lLop407UDrLo-I2dJaPLGl-1DmEF4UiQf-8-CCEbmd6b3kj64bE7U3r8Wa2EOWpZUBFG43x-nHGSHsC6e3TINLsJH1cPyPGAsWs-gCVbvb/s320/DSCF1085.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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Hi Folks, hope you had a great Christmas break.</div>
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Here is my second review of the GW Dark Eldar Grotesques in Finecast resin. As you can see in the picture above, I got some more. Now these were courtesy of the excellent GW customer service. I debated sending them a message but as a friend pointed out, if they don't know then they can't improve on it. Despite clearly stating that I made one great model out of three and only two had some problems the customer service people were kind enough to send three new models along with the rather funky Christmas card you can see above. Thumbs up.</div>
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Here you can see the contents of each clampack spread out. There are a couple of minor differences compared to the previous packages I got, which is nice.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiregMwxn3XxEGjombknQ7nNkIFWTrBggXqooxA0XhyphenhyphenG94ymT5dTlIX0K_JZcIpwZi-9AKq98IYBqv3K5XA4Vz5DGxOlFLv_oC7QLZ3rFEhIMiyFoTUs7josGtYHqygOkbe5Ov6BkyJRdHn/s1600/DSCF0969.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiregMwxn3XxEGjombknQ7nNkIFWTrBggXqooxA0XhyphenhyphenG94ymT5dTlIX0K_JZcIpwZi-9AKq98IYBqv3K5XA4Vz5DGxOlFLv_oC7QLZ3rFEhIMiyFoTUs7josGtYHqygOkbe5Ov6BkyJRdHn/s320/DSCF0969.JPG" width="240" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvbtwmWbMpXW8xXvq65Kpkg9s6iqTYpZ-etLEPPP8pOdw9WcjJ5vLmDaynxXspzq3INN59rbokEyu2pQAFGelxZ3xQ7UAC_pNI-YFTrNwAF54PdYGVLXiqeOKmZRfs56C51VimB97vX6KA/s1600/DSCF1082.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvbtwmWbMpXW8xXvq65Kpkg9s6iqTYpZ-etLEPPP8pOdw9WcjJ5vLmDaynxXspzq3INN59rbokEyu2pQAFGelxZ3xQ7UAC_pNI-YFTrNwAF54PdYGVLXiqeOKmZRfs56C51VimB97vX6KA/s320/DSCF1082.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Here is the first difference. Now the newer mould is on the left, the older on the right. Immediately I can see that there are cleaner lines and fewer vents for the resin. In particular I was happy that the two 'lamps' (?) sticking out of the back don't have vents on the top of the smooth surface now. That's a big improvement. You can also see a tweak in the attachment for the creepy little arm. I think it's now got a smaller connection point.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiD0WU8qNUab6sTEca9XuefKkiib3PVbnVTenubK_4NKHOK8MKCPUMw1mOD-96hDNrgzXQEJVZfYYZlAN1wUkjKB8IJiM27FpSk96KPkqgsz0jWdIqSmFqGyQu07fH4QQFQza1dKu5fJY5/s1600/DSCF0968.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiD0WU8qNUab6sTEca9XuefKkiib3PVbnVTenubK_4NKHOK8MKCPUMw1mOD-96hDNrgzXQEJVZfYYZlAN1wUkjKB8IJiM27FpSk96KPkqgsz0jWdIqSmFqGyQu07fH4QQFQza1dKu5fJY5/s320/DSCF0968.JPG" width="240" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEik0qqZFTLHKf_dZFrbVitUt9UxLZw3Oyg0P3R5ct6eOhPgHVReJiN3uLjZzREUZIzufH6SZXMPVFRbzBoxAEKtamOro-dqo4ZCxJBJH81MBXA0M8klN8UGFJ5lx98urPsOINh9gPAzs3gq/s1600/DSCF1083.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEik0qqZFTLHKf_dZFrbVitUt9UxLZw3Oyg0P3R5ct6eOhPgHVReJiN3uLjZzREUZIzufH6SZXMPVFRbzBoxAEKtamOro-dqo4ZCxJBJH81MBXA0M8klN8UGFJ5lx98urPsOINh9gPAzs3gq/s320/DSCF1083.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdzB5ebnOhGg9JFqq2uXQqz0WqVbh3dZqUzGG1r1HWHr5Ek3cKbXPaHdaziW-upbMW0ffNEeNZyOr0S6-Me5af8NoXUp0HIDR7j5ElTbP6kmLqtJbdRpGnbCuLFA5bLiiIJB0NGMu-mRB8/s1600/DSCF0970.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdzB5ebnOhGg9JFqq2uXQqz0WqVbh3dZqUzGG1r1HWHr5Ek3cKbXPaHdaziW-upbMW0ffNEeNZyOr0S6-Me5af8NoXUp0HIDR7j5ElTbP6kmLqtJbdRpGnbCuLFA5bLiiIJB0NGMu-mRB8/s320/DSCF0970.JPG" width="240" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtejbqOyZNf9qR9b8rQd2L4-E0gmKBi6fGGCaKXu0cmrzlJ6LB2pUOPgdoj8uHUqLGzkLl967_Jf09MBJ3CDZJVCXSz0reqMLc_LUHNwvTfXXs3BxRX-dieRh1guEENCeaAhOVm1rldHvx/s1600/DSCF1084.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtejbqOyZNf9qR9b8rQd2L4-E0gmKBi6fGGCaKXu0cmrzlJ6LB2pUOPgdoj8uHUqLGzkLl967_Jf09MBJ3CDZJVCXSz0reqMLc_LUHNwvTfXXs3BxRX-dieRh1guEENCeaAhOVm1rldHvx/s320/DSCF1084.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Similar story with the other pieces (newer left, older right). The mould design seems to have been cleaned up and simplified, which is good news. Overall I found it less work to tidy up and prepare the models for gluing. </div>
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As far as the model quality goes, there are some similar issues. The bubbles are fewer but this batch all had a bubble in the upper calf of the back leg and a few other tiny bits. An improvement but not perfect. The overall quality of the models is higher, definitely, and I'm glad GW adjusted to improve. The waists suffer from the same problem as before in that none of them align to the body properly. I'm not sure if there is a design flaw or the resin just needs to be tweaked and bent some more. For me I'd rather throw some glue there then fill it with green stuff when I get time. It's easier and these models are suitably creepy and messy looking that my limited sculpting skills probably won't affect the final result once they're painted up.</div>
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My second conclusion is similar to my first. Great model concept and sculpt. Let down slightly by the material choice and issues with production quality BUT easier and better than the first time around. Credit where due to GW for making their models better over time as well as the consistently excellent customer service. I may by moving away from them as a company for many things but their model quality and customer care is great.</div>
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All the best everyone,</div>
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Pete :-)</div>
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<br />Pete Whttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10662176026555380093noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7690045076379408958.post-56484938617107929162013-12-08T22:51:00.000+01:002013-12-08T22:51:32.180+01:00Uncloseable Super Glue......glue all the models!!!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
There are many benefits to having such an awesome wife as I am blessed with. However, today we'll be focusing on her working for Henkel. This company makes a lot of products including Persil and Schwarzkopf but the modeler is more interested in their production of the brand Loctite. Now while she does get a lot of products at a discount, we're also loath to waste money and, being relatively unfamiliar with glues, she got me two small superglue-looking glue tubes. They're called SOS repair and are cute, small and seemed to contain cyanoacrylate. </div>
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Suspecting (wrongly) that I wouldn't be able to close the tiny tube thing once I snapped off the cap, I decided the only thing for it was to clear the decks and glue everything I had that needed superglue. Glue all the models!!!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixReUx0ch5X_p1CdS79-k0qMacrNW8xX6zleat806gdNJVn58MPUSu_Cs409kxQRBSmgCiB-6bmVOi9F35duZupGWrBqWEhpVKTOiDu4auiE4EsrxtWfeslr6AvWoEHQY0guILQx1tNDFi/s1600/DSCF0987.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixReUx0ch5X_p1CdS79-k0qMacrNW8xX6zleat806gdNJVn58MPUSu_Cs409kxQRBSmgCiB-6bmVOi9F35duZupGWrBqWEhpVKTOiDu4auiE4EsrxtWfeslr6AvWoEHQY0guILQx1tNDFi/s320/DSCF0987.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Here is everything laid out (bonus shot of the drying laundry). On the table we've got some GW finecast Wracks and Grotesques, an Infinity starter set and the plastic ruined farmhouse from Warlord Games Assault on Normandy.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_0-KeObNbBwEYOIxV1xR1BKZ0gWPhcHdz6mouMReDo1Clgl0SHWFstpli22UemBpJRtfnc0XIy4CkzlzsjbXL1kjT_XW5VC2Pve6Caq1ScsNkbShD9p7v5othU6nlowNiz9xmPZ07_uI5/s1600/DSCF0988.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_0-KeObNbBwEYOIxV1xR1BKZ0gWPhcHdz6mouMReDo1Clgl0SHWFstpli22UemBpJRtfnc0XIy4CkzlzsjbXL1kjT_XW5VC2Pve6Caq1ScsNkbShD9p7v5othU6nlowNiz9xmPZ07_uI5/s320/DSCF0988.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Here is the finecast (bubbles and miscasts included) ;-)</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtwD9g5YjrQFvujDLsmySo6uXrgtFHR8EEZFXUhUbLBP6MQDRFdqCL4VyegpQtNUQRdEDywFM7aRbbIOUhG-ON9kLVGz8qtbVRRIvs0xvCmzqw3aJ9YAdqiSYMm5ptCOX4EhLTQnV8XPXs/s1600/DSCF0989.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtwD9g5YjrQFvujDLsmySo6uXrgtFHR8EEZFXUhUbLBP6MQDRFdqCL4VyegpQtNUQRdEDywFM7aRbbIOUhG-ON9kLVGz8qtbVRRIvs0xvCmzqw3aJ9YAdqiSYMm5ptCOX4EhLTQnV8XPXs/s320/DSCF0989.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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The infinity models. Some really great sculpting quality here.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXWWgmvCHphw9UQshNsnU1is039TCeIfl-_eBcMWTaOHldbFZvyVcJu5cCcq-zs4_xBAQspXcFofxZrOaePJkZLnO8ZKaS2NTKjaof8oQVr_QZcBs9FQ4CYGBwyYfc9xMVpApB0Z2aUdsq/s1600/DSCF0990.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXWWgmvCHphw9UQshNsnU1is039TCeIfl-_eBcMWTaOHldbFZvyVcJu5cCcq-zs4_xBAQspXcFofxZrOaePJkZLnO8ZKaS2NTKjaof8oQVr_QZcBs9FQ4CYGBwyYfc9xMVpApB0Z2aUdsq/s320/DSCF0990.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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The ruined farmhouse pieces. Generally really nice and very flexible with assembly but not as well cast and to the same tolerances as the GW plastic terrain kits I've tried. That said, it's also significantly more affordable.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2gzYXUCqZRppfhUMcELQ-_51o3Bt4UiB5b0P_vfxg9NUaszsZNMuQvrxOYHLGcnzDyiBu1A1G48e2WcdiIt61TNvL8qYSxPtcP9j75W1Rf8g1PXy5IQcW2aH0S8vpRwrTxy5dXp9Va0G5/s1600/DSCF0991.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2gzYXUCqZRppfhUMcELQ-_51o3Bt4UiB5b0P_vfxg9NUaszsZNMuQvrxOYHLGcnzDyiBu1A1G48e2WcdiIt61TNvL8qYSxPtcP9j75W1Rf8g1PXy5IQcW2aH0S8vpRwrTxy5dXp9Va0G5/s320/DSCF0991.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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The finecast beasties assembled. To its credit, this material is a dream to work with as far as gluing goes. You need to hold the pieces together for about three seconds before they catch and the light weight means they hold well (***See note below about light material***).</div>
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The whole group assembled. I've still got a few rubble bits (left) for the farmhouse that I'm not going to add yet. I'm thinking about making some bases using baked sculpey mounted on MDF so perhaps I'll add them then.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_Jsn223DTtoRUia-Lp265Y3VU_OyO_EOhJQlpHHTCRjSv0ueAbLTLbhJlD4300-aKeHspCs4mgllTu0wDmCGarMPba9WPxq1OTTgd_Hjo7VurtCefVExpAVz_39n6hZ2bOgt9HSQIGKhI/s1600/DSCF0993.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_Jsn223DTtoRUia-Lp265Y3VU_OyO_EOhJQlpHHTCRjSv0ueAbLTLbhJlD4300-aKeHspCs4mgllTu0wDmCGarMPba9WPxq1OTTgd_Hjo7VurtCefVExpAVz_39n6hZ2bOgt9HSQIGKhI/s320/DSCF0993.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Now to the greenstuff. Here are the adjustments to the first grotesque. The biggest part was the waist, where none of the three models lined up. Here I also had to fill under the arm to solidify the joint, cover two bubbles (in the biceps/arms) and wrap the repaired joint of the sword. Thanks to the incredible light finecast, a slight finger touch during assembly snapped the sword off at the thin joint. I glued but decided to add some reinforcement this way too.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdBSCrNs28VZI8cA76fmsRxgJNcd4dQjz9LFSpv6YYpOuZL1J936InHTasZUU1hPad-d6jxFaBC05OkhHWsnQRTMELSovJO1QP9t8oIgyQVidRkUUlYxff-HTx7cwzQiOATxeJ6eccsWQR/s1600/DSCF0995.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdBSCrNs28VZI8cA76fmsRxgJNcd4dQjz9LFSpv6YYpOuZL1J936InHTasZUU1hPad-d6jxFaBC05OkhHWsnQRTMELSovJO1QP9t8oIgyQVidRkUUlYxff-HTx7cwzQiOATxeJ6eccsWQR/s320/DSCF0995.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Grotesque two also had a major waist issue to deal with plus some small gaps in the shoulder joint. Under the left bicep also needed a bubble fill.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7yCZU9st0NbUlUQE0DFa4qIyP5K4JXrKoZjK5iB-s1-3ZCgG3FcZ2bUAdMeylF1A3jmgWxIE-zoxu138XFiRxh0uGIwX_XCe5wQbfKvpR_DnCkDqYK4uUDRbQ293PIMJyA96IQpidj_9A/s1600/DSCF0996.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7yCZU9st0NbUlUQE0DFa4qIyP5K4JXrKoZjK5iB-s1-3ZCgG3FcZ2bUAdMeylF1A3jmgWxIE-zoxu138XFiRxh0uGIwX_XCe5wQbfKvpR_DnCkDqYK4uUDRbQ293PIMJyA96IQpidj_9A/s320/DSCF0996.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Shoulder, waist and underarm for number three as well.</div>
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At the end of my gluing marathon I noticed (in my probably slightly high state) that the glue cap could be replaced and so I can continue to use the little bottle for any other bits I get. At the moment I have no plans for a lot of resin or metal but then my Bolt Action Germans and Americans need some reinforcements so who knows.... ;-)</div>
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My follow up to the Grotesques review reinforces what I said before. Great models with lots of character but let down by the material. All three share the same pose and are fragile, come with several bubbles and need a fair bit of work to get them into finished condition. The resin takes glue extremely well but I think the quality control is not where it should be and the material is very fragile. Here's hoping for a three model plastic box for these in the future.</div>
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All the best everyone</div>
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Pete</div>
<br />Pete Whttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10662176026555380093noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7690045076379408958.post-38073760671570248072013-11-26T16:42:00.001+01:002013-11-26T16:42:08.804+01:00Bolt Action Rules Review - a few games in.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgy8e9x84O6v5SZEDMYz6yYffcFwy4Q9GmabTpQ06fwPSlBE8eG2M2qon8xOaGNO6JmfPG1J3DhvJt-0Td2L15CPIYFtHdOGQAXrxxmFFlKReC0E1h50a84cw1K43HMR1ZxDorTkldOw5h8/s1600/Bolt-Action-US-Airborne-anti-tank-gun-600x414.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="220" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgy8e9x84O6v5SZEDMYz6yYffcFwy4Q9GmabTpQ06fwPSlBE8eG2M2qon8xOaGNO6JmfPG1J3DhvJt-0Td2L15CPIYFtHdOGQAXrxxmFFlKReC0E1h50a84cw1K43HMR1ZxDorTkldOw5h8/s320/Bolt-Action-US-Airborne-anti-tank-gun-600x414.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<i>When Jerry appears, give him a taste of 57mm steel!</i></div>
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Hi everyone,<br />
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As you have undoubtedly noticed, I've been very much taken with Warlord Games' World War 2 themed skirmish gamed, Bolt Action.<br />
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Bolt Action (BA) is a fun game first and foremost. It's simple, quick to play and has a lot of things going for it. For the purpose of this review I'll primarily make comparisons to 40k, both because I know that game relatively well and because it's perhaps the most common or well known wargame (in my area at least). To start with, if you've not seen it around, BA is a skirmish game for battles set in WW2. It was designed with 28mm models in mind but can be adapted to other scales as well. Fundamentally it's close to 40k in that you can move, shoot and fight in close quarters (assault) over a number of turns.<br />
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BA add a great dynamic to the game in the activation of units. Instead of having one player do everything on their side, then swapping, the game mixes things up. Each unit brings an order die to the game. Each turn, all of these dice are put into a bag or cup, shaken and drawn out randomly. Whichever side gets the die can issue an order to one of its units. Then another die is drawn, an order issued and the process repeats until all of the dice have been used. That turn is then over and the dice are (usually) put back in the bag for the next turn. It's nice in that you never quite know what order the game is going to happen in when you start a new turn. You might get that crucial first order die and throw a wrench in the opponent's plans but then again you might have a string of bad luck and they get all the first activations. On the other hand you then get to activate your units in a row at the end of the turn and can adjust your plans because your opponent has already chosen their moves. It adds a challenge when you get the first die and have to think carefully about which unit should go first.<br />
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The six orders you can give are: Fire, advance, run, ambush, rally and down.<br />
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These let you fire without penalty, move and fire, double your move or assault, wait to ambush an opposing unit, try to get your troops back in the fight, and hit the dirt. When you start the game your units automatically follow your orders but once you start taking fire and being pinned you have to pass 'morale' checks, which is harder the more pin markers you have. This seems quite punishing when you fail but makes sense when you think about a machine gun hosing your guys' positions, and also gives a reason to field veteran troops (higher morale) as well as keep your HQ in the middle (bonus to morale checks with 6").<br />
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Pinning is a real change compared to 40k (where it is less frequent and effective). Suppressing fire is extremely effective as a tactic and makes games a real challenge. No long will your troops cheerfully leap out from cover when they are under a hail of fire from multiple angles. Instead, a more realistically, your men may decide to avoid the bold/foolhardy choice in favour of keeping their heads down in cover. Each time your units are hit, they receive a pin marker, regardless of whether any casualties are caused. Having bullets whip by your ear is almost as scary as your buddy being hit. Each pin marker gives you -1 to order and morale checks, plus a -1 to shooting. Don't expect guys with three pin markers to make effective shots when they're at -3 to hit just from the pin markers. Might be time to try a rally order to get rid of some markers while hiding in cover.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVU6IO4aqV17Wp0eAqPNK7cZq7k9jHVpYHZSGQvwElsTN4jXwo2tiLJli-rOXHojSWodCB4ZbDaIQQa73RxzO5Z5HVjJr2B5bOXhJYnp73-XvQLH1W5LO3lZmu-DO7DSsW2WC-GsoFCbCK/s1600/BA-09.11.2012-012.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="208" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVU6IO4aqV17Wp0eAqPNK7cZq7k9jHVpYHZSGQvwElsTN4jXwo2tiLJli-rOXHojSWodCB4ZbDaIQQa73RxzO5Z5HVjJr2B5bOXhJYnp73-XvQLH1W5LO3lZmu-DO7DSsW2WC-GsoFCbCK/s320/BA-09.11.2012-012.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<i>Watch out for the snipers in the next building!!!</i></div>
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Speaking of cover, I feel like it adjust the right aspects of the dice in BA compared to 40k - the shooting phases, specifically, how easily you hit. One thing that has always felt jarring to me in Warhammer 40k is the way that a Space Marine (to take a common example) hits on a 3+ no matter whether he is standing 2" from a target out in the open or sniping at someone at maximum range who is hunkered down behind a concrete barricade. It's frustrating when you are right on top of someone and suddenly can't hit worth a damn when just last turn you were picking them out of hard cover like <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vasily_Zaytsev">Vasily Zajtsev</a>.<br />
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BA handles shooting slightly differently than 40k. All troops hit on a 3+ and then that roll is modified by a small table of factors. Point blank (6" or less) gives you a +1 to hit, but lots more things give you negative modifiers. You'll get -1 for firing over half range, moving and firing, being inexperienced troops, firing at a unit of 1 or 2 men (small target), -1 PER pin marker on your unit, -1 for soft cover that obscures sight and -2 for hard cover that obscures and protects. As you can see, shooting is rarely going to be an easy task in Bolt Action. While this means that casualties tend to be relatively light, barring lucky dice, at range, you can still suppress and pin your opponent until you get closer and the brutal firefights begin. Don't expect your 2 pin marker rookie troops to effectively shoot a German sniper team out of hard cover at long range (-2 pins, -1 inexperienced, -1 long range, -2 hard cover for a total of 9+ to hit). Then again don't stop in front of the enemy machine gun position at close range in the open because they'll be hitting you on 2+ and you can't go down in reaction if you've already taken an action.<br />
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Now with so many modifiers you may well be asking what it means when you need a 7/8/9+ to hit your target. Without making it complex, BA adds a chance for such long shot success. Roll to hit, if you score any 6s, roll these again. A second 6 means you hit. They call these nigh-impossible shots but it can still be worth if you have the opportunity. You never know when that lucky bullet will take out the enemy machine gunner and save your butt.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieR8uiBkM46nUWFqnUCq64FNTFUizP4QlkUUJLLdkR8bYCUuc1Q1TD_tACUUAihz1iNxE7uUk5nfLB7kunoHhvQTh98dKuTnkBg7UEi6exl_VzpnbMCSixkMGt4R6CTKTSS1c-po9L8niK/s1600/If-you-go-down-to-the-woods-today..-600x437.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="233" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieR8uiBkM46nUWFqnUCq64FNTFUizP4QlkUUJLLdkR8bYCUuc1Q1TD_tACUUAihz1iNxE7uUk5nfLB7kunoHhvQTh98dKuTnkBg7UEi6exl_VzpnbMCSixkMGt4R6CTKTSS1c-po9L8niK/s320/If-you-go-down-to-the-woods-today..-600x437.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<i>A Jagdpanther in cover with a machine to cover it? Ouch!</i></div>
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Let's say get some luck and hit the enemy. First up, we put a pin marker on them, regardless of whether we kill anyone. That's a good thing, especially if we can put some more on the same unit later in the turn. Then it's the chance to kill someone. Regular troops die to small arms fire on a 4+, inexperienced on a 3+ and veterans on a 5+. I like how this tries to reflect the variety of training and experience for different troops. Veterans would know more when to get down and how to survive better. That said, bigger guns add modifiers to the damage roll so a 20mm cannon (+2 to damage) will bring down veterans on a 3+. Buildings bring your wound roll up to a 6+ so even rookies in buildings can take a lot of fire, even from heavy guns.</div>
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Vehicles with with a lot of similarities to troops except that they have a damage value of 7 - 11 (armoured cars to super heavy tanks respectively), which means small arms fire can't touch them. They don't get pinned by light weapons, but if you start putting heavy weapons on them, then they can be pinned down and damaged. In general, vehicles let you add a lot of mobility to your force as well as giving you anchors around which to fix your attack or defence. Plus, who doesn't want to put a King Tiger on the table and make stuff go boom :-)</div>
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The last point I'll add that I love is the way that your nation of choice gives you a unique bonus.</div>
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<ul>
<li>Germany - Bonus shot for infantry machine guns (Hitler's buzzsaw) and NCO survivability.</li>
<li>US - Move and fire without penalty for rifle/BAR troops and double air strikes.</li>
<li>British - Free artillery observer and bonus to pre-battle bombardments </li>
<li>Soviet - Free 11 man inexperienced squad and re-rolls to some morale checks (for the Motherland)</li>
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<u>So, is Bolt Action a perfect game?</u></div>
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No, of course not. I find it quite a close ranged game. Most troops have rifles, rifles fire at 24" so you end up in a close up battle much of the time. I think this is a general weakness of shooting based wargames played on relatively (6x4) small tables so it's a not a huge problem. On the other hand, most rifles and WW2 weaponry had similar characteristics so it's reasonable.</div>
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Tanks are not very cost effective in many cases, especially the big ones. A King Tiger will set you back 555 points and if there are no armoured targets on the field it turns into a really expensive machine gun carrier that isn't going to be able to take on the 40 or so infantry you'd get for the same points. Also the armoured vehicles are not as distinct as was historically the case, but that's very hard to do on the tabletop. At the heart, the game is infantry focused and that's fine for me.</div>
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<u>In conclusion...</u></div>
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This game is fun, a lot of fun and plays easily. People who've tried it are big fans very quickly and want to play again. Already one of my buddies (a Warhammer Fantasy player) finished the first game, went home and ordered the rulebook and his Soviet army immediately. The low model cost and variety of places to buy models really steps the game up as well.</div>
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If you have any questions please drop them in the comment box and I'll answer them as best I can :-)</div>
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All the best</div>
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Pete</div>
Pete Whttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10662176026555380093noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7690045076379408958.post-48700750417595672062013-11-16T21:40:00.000+01:002013-11-16T21:40:11.704+01:00Dark Eldar Grotesques Finecast review - How many bubbles do you accept? ;-)Hi everyone,<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEie31LsM0TEw2DrDOxxNdxFYFo8PMFVpwF6zHXUiEOQ2qSTmxQvxReh_oz2Kq_7dbejq2s0h1G6hX0lkl47he2Bw96XtoSDKfsXTUuqGGj_gQsnDl9T3r_jaWFolHvwvq4ZJzVq1l8VFld_/s1600/DSCF0960.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEie31LsM0TEw2DrDOxxNdxFYFo8PMFVpwF6zHXUiEOQ2qSTmxQvxReh_oz2Kq_7dbejq2s0h1G6hX0lkl47he2Bw96XtoSDKfsXTUuqGGj_gQsnDl9T3r_jaWFolHvwvq4ZJzVq1l8VFld_/s320/DSCF0960.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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First of all, check out the awesome package of 75 plastic WW2 figures from Warlord games sprue sale. 54 Pounds including delivery (and one more pack of bases than I intended, misclicked order).</div>
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Now, on to the review of the Finecast.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjb0BwwKcRSVNHN4vhO1hzaA_Rz43mTH4HM76kAS2k_JXEiw5UMamrsPcWpCtOF9bg-AwO57LNTIz_k2cBuKfW8tBaTmvWFgF2r8Dj7fwy1AiNMbIj1UJhjSV4xt6gWYdegpn69hI3F5NDi/s1600/DSCF0967.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjb0BwwKcRSVNHN4vhO1hzaA_Rz43mTH4HM76kAS2k_JXEiw5UMamrsPcWpCtOF9bg-AwO57LNTIz_k2cBuKfW8tBaTmvWFgF2r8Dj7fwy1AiNMbIj1UJhjSV4xt6gWYdegpn69hI3F5NDi/s320/DSCF0967.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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I was given three Grotesques by a gaming buddy who decided that he'd had enough of dealing with the funky finecast and trying to make things fit. Two of them were still on the sprues and the parts are above. Please note the snapped sword blade in the bottom right. It's a shame it broke there as gluing such a small point, even with it being Finecast, isn't much fun. Lucky I plan to run one of these with a liquifier gun, which will replace the right army blade.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiF_xlFkFsedi6XUTOR9cMn2TiaDvW7wdQ9kHOKPjcWaoaN8-Wv-wKQC2OagQW3rYnKj3YYkIAc_uGcTgSAkA5X1En21EjkP2WQSPel7YuOwX9MYVDq69bNLUY44lnyjASOgITRZQhRwZQq/s1600/DSCF0968.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiF_xlFkFsedi6XUTOR9cMn2TiaDvW7wdQ9kHOKPjcWaoaN8-Wv-wKQC2OagQW3rYnKj3YYkIAc_uGcTgSAkA5X1En21EjkP2WQSPel7YuOwX9MYVDq69bNLUY44lnyjASOgITRZQhRwZQq/s320/DSCF0968.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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The close combat arms for the beasties. I love the details on the mechanical claw arm. A creepily excellent piece of work by the sculptor.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxv4cnmZKZ0w-EKF35fonFPHWvFI8gixBLFnhRup-fMM1NGLOxlOHA7nwUy-R57oh5eLVcxEvKyX0yZA8U_FUPwNL5YTii3O5O_UL9_3Rqc9Zg996VTy8F0Dvfo_LlW3GEjsM0ozEbEv89/s1600/DSCF0969.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxv4cnmZKZ0w-EKF35fonFPHWvFI8gixBLFnhRup-fMM1NGLOxlOHA7nwUy-R57oh5eLVcxEvKyX0yZA8U_FUPwNL5YTii3O5O_UL9_3Rqc9Zg996VTy8F0Dvfo_LlW3GEjsM0ozEbEv89/s320/DSCF0969.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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Torso and head. I'm not up to date with moulding and resin technology & design but why would you put vents on top of the smoothly rounded backpack chamber-thingies? I've cut them off and it's really hard work to then smooth out the rounded, nicely moulded chambers is a hassle. I'm not an expert sculptor or miniature maker and I don't want to have to fix my model and reshape parts that the production process has impacted on.</div>
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Liquifier gun, lower body and details. Similar problems with the vent locations for the extra bits you see at the bottom and top middle. I had to carve, file these down and couldn't quite get them smooth. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUmlvH3hpk3zQPb9zYS8q8VkC-jAEmUnw-9z4XkNLEmChrsGuhKj2wHRqyOk_s-rx6YBSUNtKylQG-O0kQDVGZQs8cyGIhfvgmBhyphenhyphenyIMZvwo5DgpAqowYZwV5n6O5sAK9JclD0oheZT_gd/s1600/DSCF0971.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUmlvH3hpk3zQPb9zYS8q8VkC-jAEmUnw-9z4XkNLEmChrsGuhKj2wHRqyOk_s-rx6YBSUNtKylQG-O0kQDVGZQs8cyGIhfvgmBhyphenhyphenyIMZvwo5DgpAqowYZwV5n6O5sAK9JclD0oheZT_gd/s320/DSCF0971.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Here is the assembled body that my friend already made. You can see the big gap in the waist that I'll need to greenstuff. I dry-fitted one of the other torsos after cleanup and it doesn't line up well so I may need to hot water bend the spine to line it up.</div>
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The first of the moulding problems. One of the liquifier guns has an air bubble right on the joint of the arm, which means there is a big gap just where the arm should connect to the body, which is not cool. Greenstuff is definitely required here.</div>
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Both of these show the same problem area. Apparently the grotesques use too much underarm deodorant because this is a problem area on all of the models.</div>
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Overall I think the Grotesque model is, despite my grumbling above, a very nice piece of work. Admittedly it's monopose and I'd love to see a three model multi-part plastic set but I guess they aren't big enough sellers to warrant it. The general detail and style of the model is excellent, as is nearly everything in the Dark Eldar range. I'm mixed with GW releases and often find them simply ok or not to my taste, but I can't think of a DE model that doesn't resonate with me, even if I don't want to actually own it. One of their most consistently brilliant product lines for sure. I'm looking forward to painting this unit up as a creepy addition to my force and perhaps I'll even invest in a Raider so I can't jump them forward into action nice and quickly. It'll be a nice challenge for my colour scheme work too.</div>
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The Grotesque is a creepy, impressive piece of work that will fit nicely into my army and I'm looking forward to painting it. The Finecast production is what lets it down in my view. The mould lines run over places that are hard to clean up, the vents/flash from the resin are in terrible places from a detail point of view and I've got bubbles that affect detail and in one case (that I've noticed so far) actually impact the stability of the glue joint. There are lots of small spikes of resin flash that I cut off but sometimes they extend from the top of protruding pieces, which means you have to work hard not to cut off actual detail when you're removing the flash. I'm going to have to use greenstuff to fix and in some cases resculpt aspects of the model.</div>
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So here is the question. </div>
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<li>How many errors would you accept before you got in touch with GW to look for replacement? </li>
<li>Would receiving the models as a gift change your opinion on the above?</li>
<li>If you've got three models with errors but could probably cobble together good models from the bits would you contact GW?</li>
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I'd love to hear your thoughts on the above. I don't like to abuse such a good customer service policy as GW offers but then again I don't think charging such high prices for models when they are some serious production issues making the model look bad are good either.</div>
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Thanks for reading and for anyone who read the review and wants to know more about whether the models are worth it then keep watching the blog as I go about assembling and painting.</div>
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All the best</div>
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Pete</div>
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PS: I noticed another bubble in the bicep of one model, which is not something that can easily be ignored. Such a shame.</div>
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<br />Pete Whttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10662176026555380093noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7690045076379408958.post-28634760332195027022013-10-21T22:33:00.002+02:002013-10-21T22:33:41.996+02:00Warlord Games has a great sale onHi folks,<br />
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Very quiet from me on the hobby front recently for all sorts of good reasons, the main one being that my wife and I recently purchased an apartment here in Bratislava and there are oodles of things to worry about and work on. That combines nicely with the start of a new teaching year to mean I'm pretty slammed and busy.<br />
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Nonetheless I'm slowly soldiering on with my painting and have even managed to get a few games in. More on that in due course.<br />
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Now, though, NEWSFLASH!<br />
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Warlord Games has a 50% off sale on its individual sprues of plastic models. Check it out in <a href="http://www.warlordgames.com/store/catalogsearch/result/?order=relevance&dir=desc&q=sprue">this link</a> that I'm providing. They seem to have all of their core games covered.<br />
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For me it was a great chance to add some Bolt Action figures to my force so that I can have more extensive game experiences. Just as a heads up, here are some savings.<br />
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25 Commandos in a box = 22.50 GBP<br />
25 Commandos on sprues = 16.75 GBP<br />
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25 US Infantry in a box = 22.50 GBP<br />
25 US infantry on sprues = 16.75 GBP<br />
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25 Germans in a box = 22.50 GBP<br />
25 Germans on sprues = 19.75 GBP *The bases are separate here. I included a set of 50, 25 will be spare<br />
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40 Russians in a box = 28 GBP<br />
40 Russians on sprues = 19.75 GBP *The bases are separate here. I included a set of 50, 25 will be spare<br />
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Not bad deals by any stretch of the imagination.<br />
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<br />Pete Whttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10662176026555380093noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7690045076379408958.post-42257554885436747412013-08-27T18:02:00.001+02:002013-08-27T18:02:16.153+02:00A weekend of hobby goodness :-)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Last weekend was great!</div>
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I stayed in Bratislava while my wife went back to her home area for a school reunion. In true temporary bachelor style I went nuts with geekery and had a thoroughly good time.</div>
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<b><u>Saturday</u></b></div>
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We begin the day after a morning of model painting with a few games of Magic Cards. Now I hadn't played this for some years but quickly picked up on the new mechanics and, if I might say so, put a pretty good beating on my opponent in a number of games. </div>
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Then we wandered up the road to find some armoured vehicles on the street.</div>
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Jan posing in front of the T55 :-)</div>
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Next to us 'Playing like you've got a pair' was in full swing as the Legion of Everyblight (including this MASSIVE archangel) took on the new Convergence of Cyriss.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIFB_-iS56-ksbMGR-aAeWiXrgEFz81dUUpoiIxTHnUsFOv5txRM2frDOroiG46n3sJE64JneaRxtDJh5ijbiqW5nYCpa-2vXr54nSuxd2xexKLXdhwjokg1G6F_TxC4qT0Elbv0TDSZ4O/s1600/DSCF0751.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIFB_-iS56-ksbMGR-aAeWiXrgEFz81dUUpoiIxTHnUsFOv5txRM2frDOroiG46n3sJE64JneaRxtDJh5ijbiqW5nYCpa-2vXr54nSuxd2xexKLXdhwjokg1G6F_TxC4qT0Elbv0TDSZ4O/s320/DSCF0751.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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After we got the 40k/skull terrain cleared off we started our Bolt Action game. Here are the Americans ready to get into the fight.</div>
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The Germans split into three squads to bring down the Allies</div>
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The snipers took some fire early on but didn't falter for long.</div>
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The Germans in the trees quickly took a pounding from the advancing US forces.</div>
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The second squad faced more opposition...</div>
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....ending up quite heavily pinned for much of the game. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEir0sGgWF1Jq0jIf_1aEEiAA5hpNX6UZeVOy7oTEA0XBQjHds6sTMlDd1MIk5T5rGbgfCbvkvl71WrEXK__tpXk1lXlIxh9s6sj1Nhm_pwscvHu2yQEVdvqX2haCrs5lmKuCpkwOo87bgpk/s1600/DSCF0759.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEir0sGgWF1Jq0jIf_1aEEiAA5hpNX6UZeVOy7oTEA0XBQjHds6sTMlDd1MIk5T5rGbgfCbvkvl71WrEXK__tpXk1lXlIxh9s6sj1Nhm_pwscvHu2yQEVdvqX2haCrs5lmKuCpkwOo87bgpk/s320/DSCF0759.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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The sniper did his best to help by taking out the NCO, machine gunner and two more soliders from the squad in the trees.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzoYQx8DFAZACZDZt4mkr2omDjC2WEDt0g15BU747lahrxPmz0Ju0g_T-ggNheny1DF-HwLqQ9l6ItfWQWd1QuQgpJLtyMdLLPVpezBZUD_4OtgH6YuSz5URf30OPYOPpLhqRc_h-Eg5gi/s1600/DSCF0763.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzoYQx8DFAZACZDZt4mkr2omDjC2WEDt0g15BU747lahrxPmz0Ju0g_T-ggNheny1DF-HwLqQ9l6ItfWQWd1QuQgpJLtyMdLLPVpezBZUD_4OtgH6YuSz5URf30OPYOPpLhqRc_h-Eg5gi/s320/DSCF0763.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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One German squad was quickly brought down.</div>
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The others fought hard though.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnJTivVyqKo9eFjd6Mp9YtZBOcjFLdjxEQrE-2qlGoSFFzdjJc8FigZzWoLJKIjF55vMGF4NQ50FFLz-ZE_OQcBptRVz_vqWlX651xdmR2qyIkzijt_WVlFZefoDdj_FJlNcqMPI6FApfK/s1600/DSCF0767.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnJTivVyqKo9eFjd6Mp9YtZBOcjFLdjxEQrE-2qlGoSFFzdjJc8FigZzWoLJKIjF55vMGF4NQ50FFLz-ZE_OQcBptRVz_vqWlX651xdmR2qyIkzijt_WVlFZefoDdj_FJlNcqMPI6FApfK/s320/DSCF0767.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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The high point for the allies, </div>
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Before brutal return fire cut them down like wheat. This is the end game shot just after those two survivors from the middle squad got revenge on the sniper with a lucky long range rifle shot.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh04Hk5xD5i27fNvktqqfadyUnjXNj0ppaEnfFW0JalILFqCZ_Hfka5-baaTqyBuR_vGyGq3LGmKL9KAUBv-CwT0ovDT9SkGv92l2cUqQ4U7nVseN0QzaOTi6szlyETFQdI9UoGr2NIaX7q/s1600/DSCF0771.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh04Hk5xD5i27fNvktqqfadyUnjXNj0ppaEnfFW0JalILFqCZ_Hfka5-baaTqyBuR_vGyGq3LGmKL9KAUBv-CwT0ovDT9SkGv92l2cUqQ4U7nVseN0QzaOTi6szlyETFQdI9UoGr2NIaX7q/s320/DSCF0771.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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We then geared up for a 40k game pitting my two armies against each other. The Deathwing got a good start routing the jetbikes on turn 1 and, despite a mid-game scare that resulted in heavy casualties to the elite of the chapter, brought the fast but fragile eldar alliance down.</div>
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Interestingly, we both felt that 40k felt quite flat and simplistic in some ways compared to Bolt Action. The morale and suppression mechanics in the the latter game definitely make you think more on the best courses of action where in 40k the units are a lot more reliable at doing what you want. </div>
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<b><u>Sunday</u></b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjW5KJakVi4j6PHhE1zbgm_l_04COGHwckvO0E2TW5bFV3RTu-uB0qcmR7M4ogQJXdbUr1UAEKVmMAX-yVh67-0H3znKjQoL66pceR1KSn1sqSqN4Vun-fwx8SUzcCPOc7FL8uV3Ybc3oFA/s1600/DSCF0772.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjW5KJakVi4j6PHhE1zbgm_l_04COGHwckvO0E2TW5bFV3RTu-uB0qcmR7M4ogQJXdbUr1UAEKVmMAX-yVh67-0H3znKjQoL66pceR1KSn1sqSqN4Vun-fwx8SUzcCPOc7FL8uV3Ybc3oFA/s320/DSCF0772.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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On Sunday I got to see my buddy Aaron's Knights of Blood army for the first time. This was his 1700pt offering. To be honest, though he assures me otherwise, I felt like this army was quite light for that points value. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1mq3S8nq1PA73Num2jxgWO6UFfIv7WCXQ6ARv0LEA64akTfeiMHyIkjhotlWa3OPmca6TlHjlCx73iCIfup9WhoBdxTP9TvZ-iOx29t6bOIGRIJiAA2gvVzYekrvpO_sCylUf4cY-8Gxh/s1600/DSCF0773.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1mq3S8nq1PA73Num2jxgWO6UFfIv7WCXQ6ARv0LEA64akTfeiMHyIkjhotlWa3OPmca6TlHjlCx73iCIfup9WhoBdxTP9TvZ-iOx29t6bOIGRIJiAA2gvVzYekrvpO_sCylUf4cY-8Gxh/s320/DSCF0773.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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The speed alliance rockets into battle.</div>
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That sneaky Necron flyer is actually a sneaky Eldar Crimson Hunter Exarch. </div>
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The Scourges have an "Oh Sh..." moment as the Storm Raven unloads at point blank range. Due to some crazy rolling the tempest launcher's frag missiles missed by 8 and 7 inches to the left and right respectively. Definitely Transformers missiles ;-)</div>
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Overall I had a great time gaming with friends and enjoying my hobbies. Bolt Action was the most fun for me, but our 40k on Sunday was a great time too. I had fun getting back into MTG and though I won't likely buy any cards I'd happily throw down for a few more games with my buddy Jan.</div>
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I'm excited to speed up my painting on all of my figures as it was so fun seeing the table look bright and populated. I've got plans to expand the Bolt Action forces with some variety (more troops, some support weapons, a halftrack or two, then the tanks) and I will give more thoughts on the game system itself in a future post.</div>
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All the best</div>
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Pete</div>
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<br />Pete Whttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10662176026555380093noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7690045076379408958.post-82540557207444438772013-08-20T19:54:00.003+02:002013-08-20T19:54:33.480+02:00Fully painted Dreadfleet!!! (I lose again hehe)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Awesome wife alert. </div>
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Relaxing on the weekend trying not to think about the upcoming work week and then Edina popped up to say "Why don't we play Dreadfleet? I want to play a game."</div>
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The gauntlet was thrown and so we got ready for battle. We were playing Dreadfleet-lite, where there was no wind gauge and we ignored the fate cards. Since we don't play that much and Edina isn't a gamer she prefers a simpler game to get back into the swing of it. Hey, who can blame her? She speaks three languages and has to decipher game and naval terminology in the middle of a game she's trying to do well at :-)</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh920bA1j-f2D_2ehvAZgg57h5aGcOpFWsbapNSfKmY3q3JC43e7Fg_HGp-ivQNiWEw7l4LFxw5Ndm_cFI3AJYIb-ncvYbMJ4FqiBbWFjSyp3LphzXT8qK-syolkFL-O8CIEFdOV98-bhBK/s1600/DSCF0736.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh920bA1j-f2D_2ehvAZgg57h5aGcOpFWsbapNSfKmY3q3JC43e7Fg_HGp-ivQNiWEw7l4LFxw5Ndm_cFI3AJYIb-ncvYbMJ4FqiBbWFjSyp3LphzXT8qK-syolkFL-O8CIEFdOV98-bhBK/s320/DSCF0736.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Here is my Dreadfleet all set out just to get a photo of the painted models. I'm still not 100% convinced by our new camera's macro or low-light photos. In the daylight, hell yes it's great. Otherwise....I'm still working on it.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXTtA911-Pem7qla2l78TxGDD_1bCvkRPoodl4cwvazmQPn2-99uDEXITmjtlBfkmNMt5lHGJ2mhtS8MPjs0qSWHWs6gDgUVmsSKt6wzWwv0k0E4x4kNN3No3fC0gt6oOhfmda1903ACl5/s1600/DSCF0737.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXTtA911-Pem7qla2l78TxGDD_1bCvkRPoodl4cwvazmQPn2-99uDEXITmjtlBfkmNMt5lHGJ2mhtS8MPjs0qSWHWs6gDgUVmsSKt6wzWwv0k0E4x4kNN3No3fC0gt6oOhfmda1903ACl5/s320/DSCF0737.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Another shot of everything.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbMjJ_7rxS0pRjyyv48ilXFPDCsTeiB3M5ooM-maxaYda3ioy3bvqmEqDPXNSw-KjT7_n7sxJVt8SvuX2ufkhiAGU1D62M75O7vmEkJN2Hc9PkFQDPPPn-yy4IWotoPXQM7qiShnCqPV3T/s1600/DSCF0738.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbMjJ_7rxS0pRjyyv48ilXFPDCsTeiB3M5ooM-maxaYda3ioy3bvqmEqDPXNSw-KjT7_n7sxJVt8SvuX2ufkhiAGU1D62M75O7vmEkJN2Hc9PkFQDPPPn-yy4IWotoPXQM7qiShnCqPV3T/s320/DSCF0738.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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For this game we left out the two flagships and played a battle with the smaller ones. Mostly it was because I had to get up early to teach the next day :-)</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEin9Y-cauyT82nLaJw8SJLCZh-b0hoSEQ5IeOQrBS4PJ9JPt6BZ7W0Clvm3MyriujW_7uASNEwzvWgbXPpRwaNIdFasJQHAwr0vwUudNas64BCtKIVjyZruaLClVV7RUzUYJVWl9H_VDxBt/s1600/DSCF0739.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEin9Y-cauyT82nLaJw8SJLCZh-b0hoSEQ5IeOQrBS4PJ9JPt6BZ7W0Clvm3MyriujW_7uASNEwzvWgbXPpRwaNIdFasJQHAwr0vwUudNas64BCtKIVjyZruaLClVV7RUzUYJVWl9H_VDxBt/s320/DSCF0739.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Edina sent the Swordfish bravely into battle to face down the enemy while bringing the Flaming Scimitar (aka. The genie ship) around the flank.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9KmrLWoSiJRhFIAklwuZtUqPsCPqp6ph5N65bZjYiSwMGsoXc_lPZtwfxcFQI5Pm9W9rPFpI_vtCGYyn-TT7xqkyPKTUyDtYzEEEdR6FLp93DsHMdwqBkrS2vJpmKA4oVFD9iucmM9xPd/s1600/DSCF0740.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9KmrLWoSiJRhFIAklwuZtUqPsCPqp6ph5N65bZjYiSwMGsoXc_lPZtwfxcFQI5Pm9W9rPFpI_vtCGYyn-TT7xqkyPKTUyDtYzEEEdR6FLp93DsHMdwqBkrS2vJpmKA4oVFD9iucmM9xPd/s320/DSCF0740.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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The Elves rushed into battle with the ghostly shadewraith, battling their ephemeral enemies with blades and swashbuckling prowess.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDfJmFoXgoTr4VAGiIKBg3VdmMSfz1LW7pyK__SgqP3flFQYVUzndx7Yhvm6GbVqldeCN8lql4VV2-BqEK5_0d-Or2I5Nzjyl3oJIVAgqr9vWM9fAJk2VXF-GsoiMEzh_mrO2xIUl5leOp/s1600/DSCF0741.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDfJmFoXgoTr4VAGiIKBg3VdmMSfz1LW7pyK__SgqP3flFQYVUzndx7Yhvm6GbVqldeCN8lql4VV2-BqEK5_0d-Or2I5Nzjyl3oJIVAgqr9vWM9fAJk2VXF-GsoiMEzh_mrO2xIUl5leOp/s320/DSCF0741.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Joined by the Swordfish, whose ramming spike could find no purchase on the half-real enemy, the ghost ship was sunk, but not before taking the proud Elf ship along with them. The tentacled monster of the Chaos Dwarf ship seemed poised to attack but a poorly chosen order meant that I couldn't turn my ship in time to make contact. I repaired earlier damage instead of making an extra turn. Curses!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8hpoZORL1m2Bm48d-MzJ7Sclte146du95gw-1uF_UeJK1j8EhstpKhHRtCfYa5on8MJZqFODYt07_Eym9fER_D8rpdje2KL0t7_OWDyqJOBfUvGh8BduIt9ylUuluJlNwgxGm3edSbDgp/s1600/DSCF0743.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8hpoZORL1m2Bm48d-MzJ7Sclte146du95gw-1uF_UeJK1j8EhstpKhHRtCfYa5on8MJZqFODYt07_Eym9fER_D8rpdje2KL0t7_OWDyqJOBfUvGh8BduIt9ylUuluJlNwgxGm3edSbDgp/s320/DSCF0743.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Having missed its target, the Black Kraken ploughed around the island, heading straight for its dwarven nemesis.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAUNaQgYP6avvc8zF2MxU22B_S830ZpdqI0VAd8pni3hpU828BJT5wEmZQCbu13MVXFqWMAsGC8xPamk9WoPVwZ-t_csWdvacps_iemV5X3PXrA2PGILtNROQoqYdAIRCYDNf5SNZWghNM/s1600/DSCF0744.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAUNaQgYP6avvc8zF2MxU22B_S830ZpdqI0VAd8pni3hpU828BJT5wEmZQCbu13MVXFqWMAsGC8xPamk9WoPVwZ-t_csWdvacps_iemV5X3PXrA2PGILtNROQoqYdAIRCYDNf5SNZWghNM/s320/DSCF0744.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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The dwarfs and dragon were battling valiantly against the foul Skaven ship that had plunged forwards into a boarding action with them. Could they finish it off before the Black Kraken made contact?</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpzLr9Q1StROa0bIds0x2uTwUyUnG0t8_3L2rBr2QgbE415bRK8350n7v7OS6R1k23LGYqFoB7M2H87FnSbxIxdXHaXufPLhbwuS64kq5uHcBwEY0M780GH8tvFfWxOhiYqkQbE0kevxVW/s1600/DSCF0746.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpzLr9Q1StROa0bIds0x2uTwUyUnG0t8_3L2rBr2QgbE415bRK8350n7v7OS6R1k23LGYqFoB7M2H87FnSbxIxdXHaXufPLhbwuS64kq5uHcBwEY0M780GH8tvFfWxOhiYqkQbE0kevxVW/s320/DSCF0746.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Yes they could! Having killed the foul Skaven, the dwarfs were almost crushed by the tentacled foe. Luckily the captain rallied and they pushed off away from their attacker, blasting it with point blank shots before the dragon killed it.</div>
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The photos run out at this point but the Curse of Xandri (Tomb Kings) ship had spent the last few turns being battered by multiple foes. With its oars shot away it couldn't move and was open to be slowly sunk, the final blow being delivered by the dragon.</div>
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Damn. My W-L-D record with Dreadfleet is now something like 1-12-0. Still, I had a lot of fun playing and that's what it's all about in the end. Plus it looks a lot better when painted up.</div>
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All the best</div>
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Pete</div>
<br />Pete Whttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10662176026555380093noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7690045076379408958.post-21956562772644631202013-08-16T17:36:00.001+02:002013-08-16T17:36:16.850+02:00When blog readers prompt you to work hard at your painting :-)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
In my previous post I got comments from Tim at the <a href="http://tauofwar.blogspot.sk/">Tau of War</a> and AHunt from <a href="http://ahunt-dulceetdecorum.blogspot.sk/">Dulce et Decorum Est</a> and it got me inspired to get cracking with my Bolt Action painting.</div>
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Instead of relaxing in the break between my morning and afternoon lessons, I grabbed my models, spray paint and rummaged through the recycling boxes to find something to spray in. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXjrqVL74GEtMIWRdprbPHnVSo6wn9y33z9PbRfZQwkgUmGVcOgu3yistVqP3LBQyuRnrvSfaWt2a1JpCK3ER8ZADzYjNdLLiNB91IfSIEa5WjNcaX43Bb1sUv-MPo6lNy8b-7i_RezryM/s1600/DSCF0720.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXjrqVL74GEtMIWRdprbPHnVSo6wn9y33z9PbRfZQwkgUmGVcOgu3yistVqP3LBQyuRnrvSfaWt2a1JpCK3ER8ZADzYjNdLLiNB91IfSIEa5WjNcaX43Bb1sUv-MPo6lNy8b-7i_RezryM/s320/DSCF0720.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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This is the result that I had to work hard to scrub away before I went off to teach in the evening ;-)</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJP_mHjJgnWA4pJU2hsRTM1sPYh00ad1Pp2IH48zpZeGkkQEz0Uz1d23PUzYDh72DLiL6nacQh8HL38Nr-K-TIojVylelzRAJ9i1_AAwFf0mUR_KJzufwkvs3LznFyIa-OWpAEXp4owWQm/s1600/DSCF0721.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJP_mHjJgnWA4pJU2hsRTM1sPYh00ad1Pp2IH48zpZeGkkQEz0Uz1d23PUzYDh72DLiL6nacQh8HL38Nr-K-TIojVylelzRAJ9i1_AAwFf0mUR_KJzufwkvs3LznFyIa-OWpAEXp4owWQm/s320/DSCF0721.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Once I got the black spray done, I spent some time painting the bases brown, then drybrushed grey on the Germans and put a simple two tone colour on the GIs.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4RhGpG2UA8nuwwNG5_jHAo45O-Wbz5IZlL_4W-0-dqyfT9w8hsLBvs589XXb59N8PGi8EiPCdFLFhO9Q8LjXG0YUZxbAFpiO-_rKIqcmWv3swEak7wwj-j_PVZodk-jz2NLL8hQxK36Yk/s1600/DSCF0722.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4RhGpG2UA8nuwwNG5_jHAo45O-Wbz5IZlL_4W-0-dqyfT9w8hsLBvs589XXb59N8PGi8EiPCdFLFhO9Q8LjXG0YUZxbAFpiO-_rKIqcmWv3swEak7wwj-j_PVZodk-jz2NLL8hQxK36Yk/s320/DSCF0722.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Here is a closer view.</div>
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I'm concerned that the Germans are wearing too bright of a grey colour, but my intention is to get some new Black Wash (Nuln oil?) and use that to throw some shading on them. It should bring down some of the brightness as well, plus having them stand out a bit on the tabletop is not a terrible thing.</div>
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The US troops will get a brighter drybrush/highlighting on the green and then the whole model will have some Devlan or Sepia wash to dirty them up a bit and make them look like soldiers in the field.</div>
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All the best and thanks Tim & AHunt for the impetus :-)</div>
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Pete</div>
<br />Pete Whttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10662176026555380093noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7690045076379408958.post-29382008139317476722013-08-13T21:28:00.001+02:002013-08-13T21:28:11.718+02:00Bolt Action bases done - painting next.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Hi everyone,</div>
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While much of the blog world is talking about Games Workshop's up and coming space marine models, I've been working away at my Bolt Action models, looking forward to putting them on the tabletop. </div>
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One of the big items on my to-do list was to make the simple flat bases more interesting. I plan to add grass and so on to give them a simple European feel, but thought it would be good to give a little texture and height variation to them with greenstuff. </div>
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My apologies for the camera pictures. I was messing around with the lighting, settings, flash, no flash etc and just couldn't get the consistent pictures I wanted. I'm still getting used to this new camera :-)</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyCmrqVsOZH2YKD0dMAstaMUZzQx6AcggUkFalrdrQfZg_0-0yZ7cXlh5o_EGLKZcV9ybTr4RLkWeBLD8UqYensrHHI87IiO32Wj82pfJUTPgr4ZPXW8wsbA1tc8ngFGpstKoR9A08Rp1d/s1600/DSCF0704.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyCmrqVsOZH2YKD0dMAstaMUZzQx6AcggUkFalrdrQfZg_0-0yZ7cXlh5o_EGLKZcV9ybTr4RLkWeBLD8UqYensrHHI87IiO32Wj82pfJUTPgr4ZPXW8wsbA1tc8ngFGpstKoR9A08Rp1d/s320/DSCF0704.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Here is one US squad, Sarge calling a halt for a second. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMP0udOw-m0rVq58zZ6KlisNLosUSgeqxRlToD6THoi4ev9vfjckkL_1g4ZETZllrC0KFv8sl_U5Yu608tK80Dv16fgK5kRtSRSAmhVb0tqYn2eIVG2D9o9N6rSVsIy2xV_C_lfkPVjdj5/s1600/DSCF0706.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMP0udOw-m0rVq58zZ6KlisNLosUSgeqxRlToD6THoi4ev9vfjckkL_1g4ZETZllrC0KFv8sl_U5Yu608tK80Dv16fgK5kRtSRSAmhVb0tqYn2eIVG2D9o9N6rSVsIy2xV_C_lfkPVjdj5/s320/DSCF0706.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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The senior officer on the field and his attendant move up to check the lay of the land. There is a lot of flexibility in arming these troops as they are a simple base cost and can have any guns the model carries (for no extra points). I didn't add anything crazy and made the officer more focused on command than shooting. No super unit toting a bunch of BARs here :-)</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzoNd1lbiaiX4uC04pmCKHoj0mjCHurtN1h9mOfGal7lg7GHTBkTeqM5MswYBkUG5azVuVTPAQ5iZku5-7qi2YpB5CjChWnQE_Kqfo65Y8i4oHGN9BTJWQgKjal5jzdFYlIs4BuXqZAI4U/s1600/DSCF0709.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzoNd1lbiaiX4uC04pmCKHoj0mjCHurtN1h9mOfGal7lg7GHTBkTeqM5MswYBkUG5azVuVTPAQ5iZku5-7qi2YpB5CjChWnQE_Kqfo65Y8i4oHGN9BTJWQgKjal5jzdFYlIs4BuXqZAI4U/s320/DSCF0709.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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My two snipers got a bit more work on their bases. I will probably look to add some shrubbery or the like to make them a bit more in character.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjz1KXgRcvkaoD8XOLyhPSBSVdm1qfl4MlJONnoK74JBgbsbPdwqqHvR6tCxq-pwyKGz-NJbShOR7fgpF4wxISWc_zs4QlTBuNWmOdO_18HIrxlqwGmCUd-b5Wcp_RFR51frhoFLXI7HDCX/s1600/DSCF0712.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjz1KXgRcvkaoD8XOLyhPSBSVdm1qfl4MlJONnoK74JBgbsbPdwqqHvR6tCxq-pwyKGz-NJbShOR7fgpF4wxISWc_zs4QlTBuNWmOdO_18HIrxlqwGmCUd-b5Wcp_RFR51frhoFLXI7HDCX/s320/DSCF0712.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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The second US squad. Sorry for the focus slip but you can see Sarge laying down fire with his Thompson while the BAR gunner scans for the next target.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAAjn0eKK1CT5TaftIGzdAmZGHyi5vOYTJkE6VEpzf2RE_0VRuXQ3lQLn8VzG3q5F0qV_2vCk7GEhQfChec8HpMU87uFARPRm8C398TpBk5BnVaSrKfvVKI79pjCKgHbOwASIeUQs7v1Pc/s1600/DSCF0714.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAAjn0eKK1CT5TaftIGzdAmZGHyi5vOYTJkE6VEpzf2RE_0VRuXQ3lQLn8VzG3q5F0qV_2vCk7GEhQfChec8HpMU87uFARPRm8C398TpBk5BnVaSrKfvVKI79pjCKgHbOwASIeUQs7v1Pc/s320/DSCF0714.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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My German officer and orderly, both wielding Stg 44 assault rifles. I decided to up-gun these two because the weapons are just really neat looking.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjftTuuGiVlZBIbXsxSRuhZAekQ-3DxvA_lZReNI6h1vux-ZVsbXE9ujHH-5EeBlfCEonvWm5ARzCJHXfeobEWMPIgfbtEbZpZ8xECl7MlvWUxJIpAULZV_RuLeC_X2WXqgvZ9AjXdod195/s1600/DSCF0715.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjftTuuGiVlZBIbXsxSRuhZAekQ-3DxvA_lZReNI6h1vux-ZVsbXE9ujHH-5EeBlfCEonvWm5ARzCJHXfeobEWMPIgfbtEbZpZ8xECl7MlvWUxJIpAULZV_RuLeC_X2WXqgvZ9AjXdod195/s320/DSCF0715.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Two of my Panzerfaust troopers and one with an MG42 light machine gun. I decided to glue on the 'fausts and then added a little greenstuff strap so they looked a bit more realistic. The LMG gunner needed a little help to reach the barrel of his gun. I found that while most of the arms fitted together neatly, a few of them had small gaps. The machine guns were the only ones bad enough to need some filling.It'll be fine once painted up to look like a metal gun part.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUhJqFyfUowuXe0HXBTz0S62WkZ_cwXmZF5jJhLPOX4Quj33DM86qqeUtAkfeajdwmfvF7m3syOYPxJXCUgN4Je6_ATBKbqbW_oLVwBUndozio9bv4GGy9Rne8_IzFO0pDphV35ByiCEyj/s1600/DSCF0719.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUhJqFyfUowuXe0HXBTz0S62WkZ_cwXmZF5jJhLPOX4Quj33DM86qqeUtAkfeajdwmfvF7m3syOYPxJXCUgN4Je6_ATBKbqbW_oLVwBUndozio9bv4GGy9Rne8_IzFO0pDphV35ByiCEyj/s320/DSCF0719.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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The snipers in slightly better light.</div>
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That's all from me for now. I just need a bit of time at home in good weather to spray these (and my other 10 kabalite warriors) then I can start laying down some paint and demo some Bolt Action.</div>
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All the best folks.</div>
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Pete</div>
<br />Pete Whttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10662176026555380093noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7690045076379408958.post-5738427348659177782013-08-02T21:22:00.000+02:002013-08-02T21:22:07.343+02:00Ogres and Bretonnians make the US and Germans keep their heads down.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Today was supposed to be the day that I dropped my first battle report using the Bolt Action rules. I had a Friday afternoon with no lessons, my gaming buddy was free and the game store was empty. Perfect! We decided to play some fantasy (because my buddy doesn't get enough games of it) and then move on to a Bolt Action game afterwards. </div>
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He's an excellent painter <a href="http://ghostnebulae.blogspot.sk/2013/07/new-eldar-battle-report-vs-death-korps.html">as I've mentioned before</a> so I was stoked to use his models in the game. He made a big monster mash army for me to play with. Low model count but lots of pain.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiH6Q1EVFsYBWYMaYu49YYAlAKA6ssx_5X8MUltC4NxATvj9vBtw6GT7SvCLrVRuyTPC04aEMFLZhpEsmBftm9OippPd2DAKyHauLOblKFwc_A26HP0snjUO-4hkPXslFchioq0Wk8Hxihg/s1600/DSCF0630.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiH6Q1EVFsYBWYMaYu49YYAlAKA6ssx_5X8MUltC4NxATvj9vBtw6GT7SvCLrVRuyTPC04aEMFLZhpEsmBftm9OippPd2DAKyHauLOblKFwc_A26HP0snjUO-4hkPXslFchioq0Wk8Hxihg/s320/DSCF0630.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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Stompy Stonehorn beasty. I love the painting on this one and he's magnetised it so you can swap to the Thundertusk too. Shame about what happened in the game.... ;-)</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOdVcpqx_xs1j7K7VlQ-PEWZHaMOIcj7CWoBTVsGm_i7zWQlqWm-PNx-0LrA12EP83WAFVhjw3_b0HbY2hcCqrEsuivTXUP_vXxNQy8Ffogf3ArCD2vkKD_HIFXOh_dkVXyAt4cnoL5xDm/s1600/DSCF0631.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOdVcpqx_xs1j7K7VlQ-PEWZHaMOIcj7CWoBTVsGm_i7zWQlqWm-PNx-0LrA12EP83WAFVhjw3_b0HbY2hcCqrEsuivTXUP_vXxNQy8Ffogf3ArCD2vkKD_HIFXOh_dkVXyAt4cnoL5xDm/s320/DSCF0631.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Some ogre maneaters in all their strange glory. Yar, me hearties....can I eat them there landlubbers.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWOpF-Cp4ZPMD_6VJqrAlhTK1Gm4HoheuwOlMPGpqEbGn_DNZMW2LUVSa3KvbXGkwAPa625f-dZXZ9gi0_18u_87D2TSevvmiGQwDYL5WoF9dDd2MR-9T44Y-cUVUOrrPoKSnvZ__n2HpE/s1600/DSCF0632.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWOpF-Cp4ZPMD_6VJqrAlhTK1Gm4HoheuwOlMPGpqEbGn_DNZMW2LUVSa3KvbXGkwAPa625f-dZXZ9gi0_18u_87D2TSevvmiGQwDYL5WoF9dDd2MR-9T44Y-cUVUOrrPoKSnvZ__n2HpE/s320/DSCF0632.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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More maneaters hungry for battle.</div>
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The chivalric pride of Brettonia stands ready to do battle with the hungry beasts.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgp0aHWbebXvO9hzw1pkvn3vOFbACNhwP_aa7qv6fwEjTS60KfzXvoPOPEKBqGGKhPYBGIAVc8IfvIWhX8994JHxpmIXa0XvTai799r-6Gy7303EYWr7Vh-CEyCbarR4sPCGcv84jMPH9l7/s1600/DSCF0634.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgp0aHWbebXvO9hzw1pkvn3vOFbACNhwP_aa7qv6fwEjTS60KfzXvoPOPEKBqGGKhPYBGIAVc8IfvIWhX8994JHxpmIXa0XvTai799r-6Gy7303EYWr7Vh-CEyCbarR4sPCGcv84jMPH9l7/s320/DSCF0634.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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My deathstar unit of Ironguts with a slaughtermaster (mage) on the left, a tyrant/werewolf in the middle and a firebelly on the right. That's over 1600 points of pain!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj1MCL40oYScfPG8WKilzNGyxpLSQ6vcZTN5NEhFLDQAl0NxpjanDotX-d8838CLXZUF6MRH_efVSMDK1xT6tY4cvLlEVRiQ_47doIiZWQa0N272AtQzjOpJvHHo3MHEhl7_I9ZD14vLWA/s1600/DSCF0635.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj1MCL40oYScfPG8WKilzNGyxpLSQ6vcZTN5NEhFLDQAl0NxpjanDotX-d8838CLXZUF6MRH_efVSMDK1xT6tY4cvLlEVRiQ_47doIiZWQa0N272AtQzjOpJvHHo3MHEhl7_I9ZD14vLWA/s320/DSCF0635.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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I love the lighting effects on the firebelly. </div>
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My first turn wasn't very eventful but my opponent got the long distance charge on the stonehorn and then proceeded to insta-kill it with his lord's heroic killing blow. A pretty model down in the first ten minutes of play...damn</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl6YHsFuCGBnZTrvClmg5f3WOZWev_FRxBzo4ngQj_CeOg5Q-jANnBphyUm_CRih95oseoXAOde1eTAGzw3Q5CUvie72RAChyphenhyphennoD1b9h3mDG0I0zLoAXdf9mCcrEieSAcg89DjBeUG4AMh/s1600/DSCF0637.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl6YHsFuCGBnZTrvClmg5f3WOZWev_FRxBzo4ngQj_CeOg5Q-jANnBphyUm_CRih95oseoXAOde1eTAGzw3Q5CUvie72RAChyphenhyphennoD1b9h3mDG0I0zLoAXdf9mCcrEieSAcg89DjBeUG4AMh/s320/DSCF0637.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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The Grail Knights came in to hammer at my deathstar unit.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjU7kn1ut0kskC9PSUu3Te_61ssPuoX1Z01NSNL_dEOtZ2QDRYjZ6b0RXxzU0DPRIhyphenhyphen_Ci-3ZP5Grj84v9Y0YixywT_pPkCjQFRNeWtt8mYEKFtSjX1zVQwCj4v7anYsTgw8Brql2fJOl9-/s1600/DSCF0638.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjU7kn1ut0kskC9PSUu3Te_61ssPuoX1Z01NSNL_dEOtZ2QDRYjZ6b0RXxzU0DPRIhyphenhyphen_Ci-3ZP5Grj84v9Y0YixywT_pPkCjQFRNeWtt8mYEKFtSjX1zVQwCj4v7anYsTgw8Brql2fJOl9-/s320/DSCF0638.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Casualties are mounting and the leadbelchers, knights errant and pegasus hero have joined in. We got really lucky after this and passed two Leadership 5 tests to stay in the fight. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1IBIMnRIhJOyl687buQEs0ljjpbUL3nHY6m2zRNbIiT8BXVBW1TLKZFWvVTOfM3NsyTmASXJFB8N6gRVBCGL_C3fkxr0SP8SFtnGX-Wc2fj1KUVqtIy49qKfk_ESm1eRs-Mc7ukkUqfXQ/s1600/DSCF0639.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1IBIMnRIhJOyl687buQEs0ljjpbUL3nHY6m2zRNbIiT8BXVBW1TLKZFWvVTOfM3NsyTmASXJFB8N6gRVBCGL_C3fkxr0SP8SFtnGX-Wc2fj1KUVqtIy49qKfk_ESm1eRs-Mc7ukkUqfXQ/s320/DSCF0639.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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We beat off the foes and while the leadbelchers ran down the last grail knights the depleted ogre unit battered the knights of the realm into the ground. A very bloody victory for the Ogres.</div>
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I'm a bit mixed about playing fantasy. I've had two games in 8th edition and perhaps it's coming from 40k but I can't help but notice how resilient units can be with their armour save THEN a ward save THEN a regeneration save sometimes. It takes a lot of time for things to kill each other compared to what I'm used to. The movement mechanics are quite solid overall and I like the tactical positioning that is important. The charge blocking is a tricky thing to get used to but can add some fun and flavour to the game.</div>
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I like the magic phase where you have to figure out how many power dice to use and bait your opponent a bit to make them use up their dispel dice. The Ogre spells were simple and helped buff the deathstar when it was needed.</div>
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I had fun and while I won't be buying into Fantasy at all (GW prices are too much for me to start a full army) I'll probably throw down and play some more games of it when I get time.</div>
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Sadly we ran short of time to play Bolt Action but I noticed the Germans and Americans coming out of the trees once the battlefield was silent.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2biPT-bm5GUpyTINjbpxKvK6N6VcKr6U-cNr8y1aJ6kkGiz4zqOqaOq4NTr0rtRI57VU26lxqxWbtr6YtbmfU7nCLxTIzio1a1zdsw-WKnCSG_4eC5oKcnHgVKQ992nS5MlHG-T05Z-st/s1600/DSCF0640.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2biPT-bm5GUpyTINjbpxKvK6N6VcKr6U-cNr8y1aJ6kkGiz4zqOqaOq4NTr0rtRI57VU26lxqxWbtr6YtbmfU7nCLxTIzio1a1zdsw-WKnCSG_4eC5oKcnHgVKQ992nS5MlHG-T05Z-st/s320/DSCF0640.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Keep that MG-42 ready Johann! We'll see how many bullets these beasts can take :-)</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvuGZWRR2OT2sTm1GgfACSkZAB8ZH7uESB96ne-gQ1ZrIyj75W7dXe-pxRS5NHpnIr2phmecCHku9zkFGkiwloQ4aiqA5Vxg_O5NjsKuq8ARLUCiEYu5aNo3HfgrRU4p5_F8HMnPuhau-q/s1600/DSCF0642.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvuGZWRR2OT2sTm1GgfACSkZAB8ZH7uESB96ne-gQ1ZrIyj75W7dXe-pxRS5NHpnIr2phmecCHku9zkFGkiwloQ4aiqA5Vxg_O5NjsKuq8ARLUCiEYu5aNo3HfgrRU4p5_F8HMnPuhau-q/s320/DSCF0642.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Hold up boys. Looks like we may have found Bigfoot and all his buddies...</div>
<br />Pete Whttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10662176026555380093noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7690045076379408958.post-31258422332160984632013-07-29T15:38:00.003+02:002013-07-29T15:38:28.782+02:00Bolt Action Assault on Normandy - Starter Set revew<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Hi everyone,</div>
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Yesterday, just before we went out for a fantastic day in the sun by the lakes, the postman dropped by with a box of goodies for me. Thanks to the sarge program I'm the proud owner of Assualt on Normandy, the Bolt Action starter set from Warlord Games. Here is a little review/unboxing to give you some idea of what it's like :-)</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixn8R8khf-iVl0B9fwOFaaz_ohGpNwtkFKuNMKcTbITAKSmIoyfslhJUgglLLEjhses_O2En_jB6E3cqUMc5LHm9HX5ktstZBFy0v5QVVVVPoVAh6Vqn6SjR7f7bCW0cS7LYKJsq6TTP9J/s1600/DSCF0614.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixn8R8khf-iVl0B9fwOFaaz_ohGpNwtkFKuNMKcTbITAKSmIoyfslhJUgglLLEjhses_O2En_jB6E3cqUMc5LHm9HX5ktstZBFy0v5QVVVVPoVAh6Vqn6SjR7f7bCW0cS7LYKJsq6TTP9J/s320/DSCF0614.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Here is the starter box still closed up. It's suprisingly small, especially compared to other starter boxes. Here it is next to my spare box of Kabalite warriors. A surprisingly small difference between them.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxMRCIs0MpofpXgfzZD8CDpZx2LnPA95HgP2eaZnCd47VnPoKf-HGd1GEBWRunF4WjNyEYTWfS6RV1SHKD1QcBImq9a6B0VZ6xolsoZ9Ygj8k8rwLkiZ6216o-iVWDdMDnDpga9Ttb8fsN/s1600/DSCF0615.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxMRCIs0MpofpXgfzZD8CDpZx2LnPA95HgP2eaZnCd47VnPoKf-HGd1GEBWRunF4WjNyEYTWfS6RV1SHKD1QcBImq9a6B0VZ6xolsoZ9Ygj8k8rwLkiZ6216o-iVWDdMDnDpga9Ttb8fsN/s320/DSCF0615.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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It's packed with goodies though. You can see from L-R, a hardback rulebook, 20 German soldiers with weapons and bases, a ruined farmhouse, order dice and 20 US soldiers with weapons and bases.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5hKT4ymphNv7CICqHo4UToTo3fHw9slEeMA7qfbIa5NuOhBJLqFM6YNfMnYdt7hymKRWzSdkRXyBSCEwfNv06IBZhjSfAnOt95QLsG3p5-OzRgPVt5_ZQ2qkaMoeUkDsKidAU4MuBF5jJ/s1600/DSCF0616.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5hKT4ymphNv7CICqHo4UToTo3fHw9slEeMA7qfbIa5NuOhBJLqFM6YNfMnYdt7hymKRWzSdkRXyBSCEwfNv06IBZhjSfAnOt95QLsG3p5-OzRgPVt5_ZQ2qkaMoeUkDsKidAU4MuBF5jJ/s320/DSCF0616.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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The rulebook is top quality with lots of great photos to draw you in. The core rules seem to be fairly simple but with a good depth to them. I'll give more thoughts on these once I've read through a few more times and had a chance to try out the game. One big bonus point is the army lists in the back (example seen here) where many of the core units and tanks have their stats and points listed. It's fun that the writers have given justification for certain special rules based on historical precedent. For example, they give the Panther tank medium armour of 9 but with 10 from the front to represent the thicker and carefully sloped armour the Germans put there.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzzawBpHdOjRPnjr48zObJQgrHqUJe0c_kHVNeOnzFMoskjj3yd2QcwuYYQC8NZxzW-gSBlWTi8QsGd0vDkiJMiB4Rml0cIINa5yIyFLJ10pNbhyzAr2IHuYgY9_wbPKmsRzeA99HIkkRz/s1600/DSCF0617.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzzawBpHdOjRPnjr48zObJQgrHqUJe0c_kHVNeOnzFMoskjj3yd2QcwuYYQC8NZxzW-gSBlWTi8QsGd0vDkiJMiB4Rml0cIINa5yIyFLJ10pNbhyzAr2IHuYgY9_wbPKmsRzeA99HIkkRz/s320/DSCF0617.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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Here are the German sprues laid out. You get four body/arm sprues and then three weapon sprues. This is enough to give you lots of weapon choices to mix up your forces.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEho6SbvjFQWl0zmBfcWnME-nXFW8Ol48Vv00fvISGR9dDxwyF7xSI7M-KxW5pL99-CObFAPBJ5e7Hv28jfXoLroyFA9YZNd9t-2Q7SL2hFLyFMj0ZCtK8PJIbwGcYRpXOyO_6TpiT9BWdCC/s1600/DSCF0618.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEho6SbvjFQWl0zmBfcWnME-nXFW8Ol48Vv00fvISGR9dDxwyF7xSI7M-KxW5pL99-CObFAPBJ5e7Hv28jfXoLroyFA9YZNd9t-2Q7SL2hFLyFMj0ZCtK8PJIbwGcYRpXOyO_6TpiT9BWdCC/s320/DSCF0618.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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The Americans are very similar except that their bases are included on the frames. They come with two weapon sprues instead of three but there are still a lot of choices to come from it.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtx8c2ZeKw51t6Ts1AwbSUH85FdEf5NvsIobxcxSMvYJVY-CGOCBdRJ0rtkzoeprO7MqIHseEsewT8zal8RjBopGhPFb9YLm4YmxZnOvNstxyWNpvZ-OV1pXLCocU03_mvYJHljXARcvMT/s1600/DSCF0619.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtx8c2ZeKw51t6Ts1AwbSUH85FdEf5NvsIobxcxSMvYJVY-CGOCBdRJ0rtkzoeprO7MqIHseEsewT8zal8RjBopGhPFb9YLm4YmxZnOvNstxyWNpvZ-OV1pXLCocU03_mvYJHljXARcvMT/s320/DSCF0619.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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Here is the ruined farmhouse plastic building and the order dice set. The former seems to be a fairly flexible terrain piece to add to your game and can be built in the many ways, the latter are a fun way to determine the order of unit activation and what each unit will do.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirMb3HQGtK94AlBY_NEdHUBUqPqGZRsRohkMdUh3U1dBggBi_0Osbyd9C_5RZamg4D-RRDUjohv_0o33PPV-PEg2X5dAYh9N0IewSTwf_IpEfdqNQGM9l_XjnfPxU42OwxQpG_7qjqb7Iy/s1600/DSCF0620.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirMb3HQGtK94AlBY_NEdHUBUqPqGZRsRohkMdUh3U1dBggBi_0Osbyd9C_5RZamg4D-RRDUjohv_0o33PPV-PEg2X5dAYh9N0IewSTwf_IpEfdqNQGM9l_XjnfPxU42OwxQpG_7qjqb7Iy/s320/DSCF0620.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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You can see from this close up of a German body sprue and my spare box of Dark Eldar warriors that Warlord Games has nice sculpting quality and the plastics are well detailed.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMe9rgTeq8l9IkfB2X-ZY88Rg8FZzJCMEZSyA-CTwa71mtmcL2NA5RWpHp0XXuWSI9YlZTHDzwvHnSNRhqmf1dt5mDJTJGIbl1oV1EbTH6P0du06WQbyCqRIVp0GiVwag-Kq-WrcMzVQ1l/s1600/DSCF0621.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMe9rgTeq8l9IkfB2X-ZY88Rg8FZzJCMEZSyA-CTwa71mtmcL2NA5RWpHp0XXuWSI9YlZTHDzwvHnSNRhqmf1dt5mDJTJGIbl1oV1EbTH6P0du06WQbyCqRIVp0GiVwag-Kq-WrcMzVQ1l/s320/DSCF0621.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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The weapons in particular are extremely fine and make you realise how bulky the Games Workshop heroic scale guns are. Here you can see the MG-42, MG-34 and Stg 44 weapons with a couple of MP-40s at the top. The different weapons may have subtle differences (as in real life) but it's great to see all the different options available. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSQK7-3zL3B6PBRS8R1bzC9KztGhjLgQHEcQIYGjZNXulatZyiupFUfuCGdcZD7SkU9MKIPO8qkVmIVgCOhPmOFhBkFhTfmKx17C4iH6Q_5DFnlwnnLXzFm37AqKtkhJvUXrGkNEvgugHh/s1600/DSCF0623.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSQK7-3zL3B6PBRS8R1bzC9KztGhjLgQHEcQIYGjZNXulatZyiupFUfuCGdcZD7SkU9MKIPO8qkVmIVgCOhPmOFhBkFhTfmKx17C4iH6Q_5DFnlwnnLXzFm37AqKtkhJvUXrGkNEvgugHh/s320/DSCF0623.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Here is a German soldier with an MG-42 machine gun and an American GI with a BAR (Browning Automatic Rifle) support weapon. The figures seem quite slight at first and the bases are plain but the green stuff and flock will come out soon enough.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHrwdgTw7SDlVR-TvE6u9wY72P2uGrcTBdNHt33BjG9woIOyv-L9sSc1cxx_e73r9DNQBnny203TZ5S-x93IdFGtwTnoM6KvSIFfQXsx3_3f8RsqQPvpwkt7p_JzDz-mUfaslab1oqqiFu/s1600/DSCF0624.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHrwdgTw7SDlVR-TvE6u9wY72P2uGrcTBdNHt33BjG9woIOyv-L9sSc1cxx_e73r9DNQBnny203TZ5S-x93IdFGtwTnoM6KvSIFfQXsx3_3f8RsqQPvpwkt7p_JzDz-mUfaslab1oqqiFu/s320/DSCF0624.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Here are two soldiers with submachine guns. At first the weapons seem really small on the figures until you remember that they are pretty realistically scaled.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJcJ1uxMHU4NETtNKjj8n52gOH9XHQkrki6e8O4g0OTcSwC0yA_yrxADHv_caSriRuDz-6cw2o48KAVsXms1ldbB9J9NBYZOfUPodfqzGuHSAKl7M7oY7fFfRAoCd1ioKDvMAIDusc8i9K/s1600/DSCF0626.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJcJ1uxMHU4NETtNKjj8n52gOH9XHQkrki6e8O4g0OTcSwC0yA_yrxADHv_caSriRuDz-6cw2o48KAVsXms1ldbB9J9NBYZOfUPodfqzGuHSAKl7M7oY7fFfRAoCd1ioKDvMAIDusc8i9K/s320/DSCF0626.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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The bodies from the US set (I've done more of those than the German) are quite hunched over in motion but that makes sense when you remember these represent people engaged in a violent and deadly conflict. Walking upright towards the enemy is a recipe for dying quickly and painfully. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjY8CqHpOasr8sHlW9Q0l031GfsnnxHpZJaQOZT7UoiS8du9VkfijEE2Jaqu4j_DuTyhtC6ie4e4Lkv5aZLkd8ZVPvz79UXA-iqG5tWw84-3hib8rdgJ8guE1NleM9d048A8Ki9klJ9RKkg/s1600/DSCF0627.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjY8CqHpOasr8sHlW9Q0l031GfsnnxHpZJaQOZT7UoiS8du9VkfijEE2Jaqu4j_DuTyhtC6ie4e4Lkv5aZLkd8ZVPvz79UXA-iqG5tWw84-3hib8rdgJ8guE1NleM9d048A8Ki9klJ9RKkg/s320/DSCF0627.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Here is a soldier scaled against my Archon and a terminator. The camera has blurred slightly at the edge but you can still see how busy GW figures are compared to historical soldiers in standard uniforms. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaiPF8DR-qC1RckmpKDRdOSlqIS55xxSwCLvDp5BFsnMGOrZo3XmllRUBAxqWi6BtaFTGGEurr9ZJVIrm9nUeQZ9B4tjHIBKya721mpDNTttjowYCFoUxilO3Dj94vJefHQDL55c_vZDLd/s1600/DSCF0628.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaiPF8DR-qC1RckmpKDRdOSlqIS55xxSwCLvDp5BFsnMGOrZo3XmllRUBAxqWi6BtaFTGGEurr9ZJVIrm9nUeQZ9B4tjHIBKya721mpDNTttjowYCFoUxilO3Dj94vJefHQDL55c_vZDLd/s320/DSCF0628.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Here are two riflemen matched with a Kabalite Warrior. Once you take out the base thickness there isn't much between the figure on the left and the warrior. She is definitely taller but that makes sense for a lithe Kabalite warrior.</div>
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So far, I'm really impressed with the Bolt Action Assault on Normandy starter set. The models are good quality, fairly easy to put together (the arms and guns can be a bit fiddly) and having some terrain is a nice tough. I'm VERY impressed with the quality of the rulebook and the contents. More thoughts on the game system and details of the book to come. As a game system, Bolt Actions looks like it has a lot to offer and I'm getting very excited about where to go from here. </div>
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I hope this review helps anyone who's thinking about taking the plunge into World War 2 gaming. </div>
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All the best</div>
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Pete</div>
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<br />Pete Whttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10662176026555380093noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7690045076379408958.post-27511958014749772512013-07-26T17:02:00.001+02:002013-07-26T17:02:02.137+02:00Sergeant Pete reporting for duty - Bolt Action calls!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
It's refreshing when you move from Games Workshop's high-priced, strongly profit oriented game models (good though they are) to something different. Perhaps it's nostalgia and hearkening back to simpler times but it's a nice feeling nonetheless. I've got this feeling at the moment as I've put a mental check on expanding my 40k and have started focusing on other games, particularly those by <a href="http://www.warlordgames.com/">Warlord Games</a>. As a historical games manufacturer, Warlord offers four game systems that span a huge range of historical warfare. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiv-TG994wCGglYIhOB3gta4YMXCdlrIUJdn916iVTxa26r5ftanW5X92EuFDAiSPSh81lsGxlW8iomBJYLBp63Jg0NYktoS_YYdJt7BsWECZPxAh8QLlD54moP-CJpdGxVx48Ci-az7sIm/s1600/HC_Landing-Page-banner-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="156" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiv-TG994wCGglYIhOB3gta4YMXCdlrIUJdn916iVTxa26r5ftanW5X92EuFDAiSPSh81lsGxlW8iomBJYLBp63Jg0NYktoS_YYdJt7BsWECZPxAh8QLlD54moP-CJpdGxVx48Ci-az7sIm/s320/HC_Landing-Page-banner-1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="text-align: left;">Hail Caesar is their ancient warfare ruleset that runs from biblical to medieval times. </span>I've been very taken with it as a way to explore history, particularly Imperial Rome and their enemies, and plan to develop this as a future project</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIqMJ-KpSy2jfWSKKv1tcGnqPoIeBhqWzE8zEfY6uwVBSXtAHFFkNzokWTHnvhpBmj2VKJr3SQvmOVMJ4GgEc7MaIjSb9J1dz26v-aLhAI-KoeTuMzAQq8h8xfQ9UV2aYjU3OyruozJjGp/s1600/BP_Landing-Page-banner_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="155" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIqMJ-KpSy2jfWSKKv1tcGnqPoIeBhqWzE8zEfY6uwVBSXtAHFFkNzokWTHnvhpBmj2VKJr3SQvmOVMJ4GgEc7MaIjSb9J1dz26v-aLhAI-KoeTuMzAQq8h8xfQ9UV2aYjU3OyruozJjGp/s320/BP_Landing-Page-banner_1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Once gunpowder kicks in their rulesets of Pike & Shotte, and Black Powder take over.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMsmiu1CG34fDUZDd4Z5uN4iMROCKocrMpjrUpGPVPHXGoLJqWY-2FQTI9-DxAS3PemyO40vMSAgOYLQembU7UfIrwlZlnM2SQiDfV_hXD3JHs1dbDwEqfgPaF5sMLuH1drOL7WASiQC42/s1600/BA_Landing-Page-banner-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="155" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMsmiu1CG34fDUZDd4Z5uN4iMROCKocrMpjrUpGPVPHXGoLJqWY-2FQTI9-DxAS3PemyO40vMSAgOYLQembU7UfIrwlZlnM2SQiDfV_hXD3JHs1dbDwEqfgPaF5sMLuH1drOL7WASiQC42/s320/BA_Landing-Page-banner-1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Fast forward to World War 2 and you have Bolt Action giving you chance to play as Axis or Allies</div>
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Bolt action has been calling to me and Warlord Games has really stepped up to help me out here. I've been invited to participate in their Sarge program. They have sent me a copy of their starter set Assault on Normandy (for free) so that I can introduce the game to the local club and try to develop the scene. For each event I run showing and promoting the game I believe I will gain points of a sort that can be redeemed for miniatures. This kind of encouragement and support from a company is extremely refreshing and swaying me strongly to their side. I've already got plans to expand the American and German sets in the box, plus adding a British force a bit down the line. </div>
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With a nice low cost of entry it's fun to consider the possibilities and stories you can tell. My plan is expand the starter set, perhaps with a machine gun or mortar for each side, then add a halftrack or light vehicle. From there comes a gun (anti-tank or artillery), a tank and some more troops. Before long there will be a tidy force on each side. Or if you prefer to jump in, go for one of the many army deals on Warlord's site, like the German army below, which is yours for 47 pounds.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiCXBD5sGI6qXpTDAYSSc_FsA0oNwaMaIm42JsmhEiLbGENeOIZkMPHJdyA-EH1LnyPQUtwmk36qjanvGap280xM9W578KYxVLVcRzq4eD7oMCBU8nwIXk93kIILF-6FW3u7Zms_6OzaOc/s1600/german-army-500pts.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="253" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiCXBD5sGI6qXpTDAYSSc_FsA0oNwaMaIm42JsmhEiLbGENeOIZkMPHJdyA-EH1LnyPQUtwmk36qjanvGap280xM9W578KYxVLVcRzq4eD7oMCBU8nwIXk93kIILF-6FW3u7Zms_6OzaOc/s320/german-army-500pts.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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I should get the starter set this weekend so there will be a review/unboxing yet to come. </div>
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Sergeant Pete reporting for duty :-)</div>
<br />Pete Whttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10662176026555380093noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7690045076379408958.post-15558983455469765242013-07-23T12:31:00.003+02:002013-07-23T12:31:46.069+02:00New Eldar battle report vs Death Korps of Krieg<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Hi everyone, </div>
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I managed to get my first game in with the Eldar/Dark Eldar yesterday and it was a lot of fun. I went up against my friend's DKOK army, which just looks stunning as he's a great painter and converter. It was a 1300 point game and the armies were as follows:</div>
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- Jetbike Autarch with a fusion gun and Mantle of the Laughing God (AKA opponent trolling tool)</div>
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- 2x4 Jetbikes each with a shuriken cannon</div>
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- Crimson Hunter with exarch (proxied by a Necron flier)</div>
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- Archon with venom blade, shadowfield and blaster</div>
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- 4 blaster trueborn in a venom</div>
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- 5 warriors with a blaster in a venom</div>
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- 10 scourges with 2 blasters and 2 splinter cannons</div>
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- Voidraven bomber with 2 shatterfield missiles</div>
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My opponent had a commissar lord, some veterans (with Bastonne and Harker), sentinels, two Leman Russ tanks, Rough Riders (with Mogul Kamir) and a Vendetta.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOuG3g88eEor7qRF_RB-2v0Vs8FrnlJyjm5GDFOOZ2BDOUOzhJcIZZTeSucZS87sgjbieT0twFfD3uO1-gBYXivWd64ialRZIrLRfEt2aKA9u7ZgI4t-s5Nd0UJEMv3_Mme4yHxANYt_aA/s1600/DSCF0602.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOuG3g88eEor7qRF_RB-2v0Vs8FrnlJyjm5GDFOOZ2BDOUOzhJcIZZTeSucZS87sgjbieT0twFfD3uO1-gBYXivWd64ialRZIrLRfEt2aKA9u7ZgI4t-s5Nd0UJEMv3_Mme4yHxANYt_aA/s320/DSCF0602.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Here is the speedy force in all its semi-painted glory. It was a lot of fun to see them on the tabletop and I'm inspired to keep working on them so they are all painted.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjn-FdccRSRbPjSwRwPBR6uRDJSDWSRk6PJQsyQ7SWiNCKzuJuUVu0LpoJNbnhfr_RVjYUCjQ6f2vP7AQWYQAnZMx-xSsbxisIjPflDuNmqUXUNTjoD7DorLDwM5woms2fgv6MHXd66d380/s1600/DSCF0603.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjn-FdccRSRbPjSwRwPBR6uRDJSDWSRk6PJQsyQ7SWiNCKzuJuUVu0LpoJNbnhfr_RVjYUCjQ6f2vP7AQWYQAnZMx-xSsbxisIjPflDuNmqUXUNTjoD7DorLDwM5woms2fgv6MHXd66d380/s320/DSCF0603.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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My opponent has a fantastic army and his painting is top notch. It really makes a difference to play with painted armies facing off. I'm inspired to keep working.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzpXqbTNNabIYK0a9NmzjtJtPXm6A4-YjpRUC2d0FZTB_NGpL6QVCRtV_lmY1GekM_lKiMNdBNIE7SCY8CJ281oXJJlenO4aw6w6a1YL38WilPYdasewIqOBUxaB47YOu2OjIEFS1UR8X2/s1600/DSCF0605.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzpXqbTNNabIYK0a9NmzjtJtPXm6A4-YjpRUC2d0FZTB_NGpL6QVCRtV_lmY1GekM_lKiMNdBNIE7SCY8CJ281oXJJlenO4aw6w6a1YL38WilPYdasewIqOBUxaB47YOu2OjIEFS1UR8X2/s320/DSCF0605.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Since his Death Riders are limited in number because of cost, King Theoden stood in with his Rohirrim warriors. These models were also painted by my opponent and gave a fun flavour to the game.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMEZr7bRnpT13HB_fDe7t1D_9YEsv6mxMMg_GxuvfuQxL9s6o7wDze9X6HVy6eDkwmabxNZdkWCaNrh3IBaz5zA82uQQyEZlhfQ5OJlsXLbo8gbqCEHzP0OYT5TgEJ28_gHDv4retUWzqE/s1600/DSCF0606.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMEZr7bRnpT13HB_fDe7t1D_9YEsv6mxMMg_GxuvfuQxL9s6o7wDze9X6HVy6eDkwmabxNZdkWCaNrh3IBaz5zA82uQQyEZlhfQ5OJlsXLbo8gbqCEHzP0OYT5TgEJ28_gHDv4retUWzqE/s320/DSCF0606.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Deployment saw me hiding behind the buildings on the left of this picture. Alas, my opponent got some lucky hits and took out a venom full of warriors in turn 1. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFXVfM6JBRp91Ub3D3D-EsjO0HPgDnt6_XJV8HpRYe_OBSxIfOEphLISUsx3iqY_A42hkHy9NLvWRTmatNaYq0eSWUclVAR3EP95KKEH64Kbn0ClZfLBxbF5ltTaQU-lSwIkZe82XlfT8U/s1600/DSCF0607.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFXVfM6JBRp91Ub3D3D-EsjO0HPgDnt6_XJV8HpRYe_OBSxIfOEphLISUsx3iqY_A42hkHy9NLvWRTmatNaYq0eSWUclVAR3EP95KKEH64Kbn0ClZfLBxbF5ltTaQU-lSwIkZe82XlfT8U/s320/DSCF0607.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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We rushed forwards to return the favour, killed a few but then got surprised by a heavy flamer outflanking sentinel. Those Scourges are about to end up toasty!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS7Lcat86m47gkl-JADysIVDtlsPxezGMYmihcIT0HacKrKYJLA4gv4nvdOEBeDsTFR4HIX7VFiKpo2U0uRZbMFA8AXfMYcmX9AURjD96KsMCCLHSBKUrJ51-spR6U72jH3ouuvWR6aVRc/s1600/DSCF0608.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS7Lcat86m47gkl-JADysIVDtlsPxezGMYmihcIT0HacKrKYJLA4gv4nvdOEBeDsTFR4HIX7VFiKpo2U0uRZbMFA8AXfMYcmX9AURjD96KsMCCLHSBKUrJ51-spR6U72jH3ouuvWR6aVRc/s320/DSCF0608.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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In the centre, Mogul Kamir's rough riders weathered the shuriken fire to close in on the jetbikes.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdDhEGOhyphenhyphenpnwFo5vw8b3rt9rzvo02aOoSvwVVLiae4Z81S9wEyc1VAtSOqEtPaxr8mO3EAmMMT_HbkbftQHp57xaLgQyJbi4XKfsW3I2zUF67sGHpFNJX5DyAIGDivdr4v1UyyG8R7fgip/s1600/DSCF0609.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdDhEGOhyphenhyphenpnwFo5vw8b3rt9rzvo02aOoSvwVVLiae4Z81S9wEyc1VAtSOqEtPaxr8mO3EAmMMT_HbkbftQHp57xaLgQyJbi4XKfsW3I2zUF67sGHpFNJX5DyAIGDivdr4v1UyyG8R7fgip/s320/DSCF0609.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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One veteran squad hunkered down in cover, camo cloaks saving them from most of the alien firepower.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuSK_akn35EmDbsKAWtbtT-XW-IwDDZk_zZiVXwbwMneKU84F9FJoLUp8dyWd9Jcsk2AGNfzb0RBmOoJy9bXxqXCaTqmz7cJZmrfV3XgQkTxZ9YtHYDAh5xStcrffs8U7nXrC5kIt3hk9Z/s1600/DSCF0610.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuSK_akn35EmDbsKAWtbtT-XW-IwDDZk_zZiVXwbwMneKU84F9FJoLUp8dyWd9Jcsk2AGNfzb0RBmOoJy9bXxqXCaTqmz7cJZmrfV3XgQkTxZ9YtHYDAh5xStcrffs8U7nXrC5kIt3hk9Z/s320/DSCF0610.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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The jetbikes stood little chance against the rough riders' hunting lance charge and were cut down in the first round of combat.</div>
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Unfortunately they didn't do so well against Archon Saban, losing their leader and then their lives while the tricksy shadowfield saved the archon over and over again.</div>
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The aerial dogfight was rough with the Crimson Hunter evading the Vendetta while the Voidraven turned as fast as possible, gunning down some veterans on the way.</div>
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The game ended with Archon Saban being shot down by overwatch after her shadowfield failed her one last time. This is close to the end of the game and though my Voidraven was still hunting the Vendetta, I'd been defeated by losing all of my ground troops. My opponent had the Vendetta, a veteran squad with characters and Bastonne hiding out in a ruin.</div>
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Defeated! :-)</div>
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So how does my speedy new force work out?<br />
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It's fun, fragile but a little light on firepower. I noticed that it moved more than I was used to but wasn't quite as fast as expected. I wasn't thinking about the basic move for most things being 12" and so expected to have more movement than actually happened. It's quite a close range force too with killing power up close but not so much from distance. I think if I had included the Vypers with missile launchers or brightlances it would have had a bit more diversity. I'm looking forward to trying that out soon as well as playing more with the force to get a feeling of what works and what doesn't.<br />
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A fun game all in all and inspiring from a painting perspective.<br />
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All the best,<br />
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PetePete Whttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10662176026555380093noreply@blogger.com0