Wednesday 18 December 2013

The Christmas bash 2013 - Prussians Versus Russians

For this year's Christmas game I decided to use another one of Charles Grant's scenarios from "Scenarios for Wargames". Those who know the book will recognise the scenario from the terrain - it is scenario 15. Reinforcements in Defence (1) On the Table. However, because the game has to span at least two gaming nights (preferably three), I have expanded the force sizes a great deal and changed the victory conditions so that the battle is prolonged and fought 'deeper'.
 The set up is largely based on the original scenario. The Russians are defending with their vanguard and rushing up reinforcements from their main body. The Prussians have arrived on the field after the Russians and must attack to wrest and secure their objectives from the occupying Russians; however, the Prussians have arrived all at the same time and are in full battle array from the start. It is a simple scenario - but the best ones always are.
The main objective, as per Grant's scenario, is the large hill immediately in front of the attacking Prussians. The Russians are holding it with three units of the Observation Corps and some guns. In my scenario this hill is worth two victory points.
 Behind the hill is a large lake (this is a terrain addition). As per the terrain in the original scenario, beyond the first hill there is a farm, a second hill and a town. In my scenario the town and hill count as two further objectives worth one victory point each. This effectively forces the players to fight for at least two of the three main terrain features, rather than just the first hill. There are a few medium sized 'edged' woods that count as terrain features, but isolated trees and fields are 'virtual' - so don't be alarmed if these features move about in any photos of play, they are just there to look good.

Another change to the scenario is the deployment of the Russian cavalry. Both sides have a much bigger proportion of cavalry than in Grant's scenario. This is to make it feel more Seven Years War.
The Russian main force is already issuing from the town and marching toward the sound of the guns.
The Russian infantry are nowhere near as good as the Prussian infantry under our rules so I have increased their numbers dramatically. If they can get organised they will be hard to beat.

Lastly, some pics of newly painted and based troops. We have three units of Cossacks, a unit of Prussian grenadiers, and the three units of the Observation Corps. Oh yes, speaking of new troops, I have some Operation Zorndorf news. All of the units to re-fight Zorndorf, including the Russian light baggage, have now been purchased with a couple of orders using the money from the Trafalgar, and some ebay, sales. After Christmas I intend to get the 20mm high density foam boards for the (under table cloth) battlefield topography.

This battle starts tonight.









21 comments:

Jonathan Freitag said...

Now that is terrain worth fighting for and beautiful figures with which to fight for it!

Battlescale said...

Beautiful looking table and figures.

Battlescale said...

Stunning!

Capt Bill said...

Very nicely done, sir!!!

Capt Bill said...

Very nicely done, sir!!!

WimVdB said...

Now this looks like a battle!
Excellent lay out, beautifull figures, a wargamers dream. And that for three night in a row!

Enjoy yourselves.

fireymonkeyboy said...


Again, marvelous looking table. I can't imagine how much work went into that.

FMB

Steve J. said...

Wow, that is one lovely looking table to fight over. Oh and the figures aren't half bad either;).

Colin Ashton said...

Great set up and a man after my own heart; I have equally large 28mm SYW Prussians and Russians. Most of my Russians came from Dave Thomas too when he was selling blister packs off for 5 quid each a few years ago.

Chrisfigurines said...

That is a collection, terrain, and wargames room to make all envy, superb eye candy.

Dalauppror said...

Very, very good looking set-up !!!

Best regards Michael

Vasiliy Levashov said...

Is stunningly beautiful game! Amazing!

Please tell me - where do you buy cover for the table?

Vasiliy

David said...

Wonderful looking game there!

JAMES ROACH said...

Hi VL,

The cloth is a 6m length of Hainsworth billiard / snooker table baize sprayed with rattle can spray paint. I didn't buy mine, I managed to blag it from someone associated with the company. This one is very high quality (championship quality, 95% merino wool) and worth, apparently, £400+.

BigRedBat said...

Looks stunning, James!

Vasiliy Levashov said...

Thank you for the answer! I think we can find some alternative. Very beautiful and realistic looks.

VL

Phil Robinson said...

Absolutely superb.

World2Dave said...

Awesome as always, looking forward to seeing the battle develop.

Anonymous said...

James, as lovely as any of your Ancient set-ups!

Glenn said...

Super cool figures and table.

Unknown said...

Just stunning, James.
Stunning!