This last Saturday, I ran another game of Mein Panzer. This time, we played at Play or Draw which is a local (very local) game store that is about a mile and a half from my house. They have a very nice gaming area and Clay, the owner, is very accommodating.
This was another go at my Cruisin' for a Bruisin' scenario which is a good one for introducing new players (and old rusty players) to the game.
I had 4 players for the game with 2 British and 2 Germans each controlling a reduced squadron or company. The objectives were fairly simple - control the village crossroads and knock out or brew-up enemy tanks. The British side had 2 Crusader squadrons and the Germans had 2 Panzer III companies including a reduced platoon of Panzer IIs.
We played for 5 turns in about 2 hours when a couple of players had to head home. We called it then and assessed that the British were in a stronger position and one of the German companies had lost its commander and was out of command limiting what it could do until a subordinate could take control.
This was a very fun game and I think the players enjoyed it.
Pete,
As it pertains to WWII, unless you spend your whole life studying, I don't think any one could truly know everything. I use to think I knew something, but because of the Internet and this site, I realize I know very little. People like you and others have pointed me in the write direction and helped me improve the accuracy of what I try to model. Thanks to you and everyone on this site
Beautiful game, Pete. Simple scenario indeed, but interesting nonetheless. It's important to get people acquainted with the hobby, and the splendid material you're using will hopefully hook on a few more players!
Hi Hoth - I will never fully know everything about WWII and I certainly know less than some people. I am happy to share whatever knowledge or insights that I do have.
Thanks very much, Redleg! Sand Wars is May 2-3 this year in Chandler at the Legion Hall there. Are you considering coming out again? I will probably end up running my Stemming the Tide scenario from last year which seemed to go well. I am trying to get a Western Front 1944 game up and running but need to add a few more things.
Thanks very much, Frederic (Foxbat) I think It is important to have a pretty simple scenario when teaching new players any game. This one is now my go-to introductory game and very simple for new players to get into. Usually by turn 2 they are starting to shoot at each other.
Infantry. GHQ makes lots of excellent looking vehicles to game with. I have run lots of games just using tanks but sooner or later I have some players that are interested in wanting to add some infantry to the game.
I have plans to do an infantry only game or maybe add a few tanks or assault guns plus some mortars or artillery to make things interesting.
I have painted a fair number of GHQ infantry (and a few 2D6 and H&R) infantry over the years and have plans to add even more to my collection.
That's amazing Pete! You keep blowing me away with your work!
Unfortunately I won't be able to attend Sand Wars this year. I have an opportunity to go to Fort Sill next month and I can't fit both trips in so I'm going for what will most likely be my last visit to sacred artillery ground and a unit reunion of sorts. Sand Wars last year was a blast so I am already putting the bug in the commander's ear for next year!
I am sorry you can't make Sand Wars but you have your pilgrimage to the Mecca of Artillery coming up. I fully understand. I will try to get some pictures of the convention and post them here when the time comes.
Thank you very much, Foxbat! I was happy with the way they turned out. I think I just used one of the Flames of War painting guides as a reference when I did these.
Here are some pictures of my WWII American infantry. Most of them are the newer individual infantry from Packs #1 and #2 plus the heavy weapons packs and AT packs. The .30 Cal MGs with crews plus the 81 mm Mortars are from the older infantry heavy weapons packs.
Here are some pictures of 6 GHQ Crusader IIIs that I recently completed. I now have a full squadron of 17 with 5 troops of 3 tanks each plus 2 tanks in the HQ section.
These 6 Crusader IIIs had been languishing for several years after having base coated them in the Light Sand Color. What is missing are 2 Crusader IICS that were also in the HQ section. I would love to see GHQ do some Crusader CS tanks and maybe some of the other CS tanks as well. The last picture is of the whole squadron.
