10mm Native American Tribes - AWI

The last post of May another batch of troops for the American War of Independence Project, I had a pack of Native Americans which might come in handy as scouts etc for campaigning North of New York.

Based for the Rebels and Patriot rules, Natives come in a unit size of 12 figures as a warband, they are not slowed by difficult terrain and may counter attack if charged by Infantry.

They only have a fire range of 12" in the rule set and my only Skirmish, not using the Fire action.

At a cost of 4 base points there is an option to increase their number to 18 for an extra point, you can also make them aggressive for a further point or taking them down a point by a point making them poor shots. So plenty of choice depending on the tribes.

Heading into June.... it might have to be yet more Crusaders as I still have around 7 units to complete the backlog, but with reading material for the Chinese in WW2 or Aztecs it might be time for a switch.... 

10mm American Colonial Buildings - 1776 Lexington & Concorde.

Limited game time but an opportunity to get some additional buildings on to the gaming table, a mix of Pendraken and Timecast Models.

The stone walls are from Timecast and will be useful for walling a few of the properties on the approaches to Lexington and Concorde.

Next up Hancock - Clarke House, the guys at Things from the Basement in the US have released a range of 15mm MDF models, which come with an historical reference for each. I have borrowed their paint design for my variants and their descriptions.

Based on The parsonage, located in Lexington, MA, was originally built for John Hancock I, the grandfather of the patriot John Hancock in 1737. Subsequently, the house was occupied by Jonas Clarke and his family. It was built on what later became Hancock Street. On April 19, 1775, just after midnight, Paul Revere arrived on horseback to inform John Hancock and Sam Adams that “the Regulars are out,” not the commonly known phrase, “The British are coming.” John Hancock and Sam Adams, leaders of the colonials, were guests at the Hancock-Clarke house at this time.

Hancock's House and Barn in the background. Next up Jacob Whittlemore House.

Located on the Bay Road in Lexington, in 1775 this house was home to Jacob and Elizabeth Whittemore as well as their daughter, Sarah, her husband Moses Reed, and their three small children. Neither Jacob nor Moses fought with the Lexington militia on April 19th, although Jacob had trained with it and Moses would volunteer for other Revolutionary War campaigns. Instead, Jacob and Moses carried Sarah Whittemore Reed, who was still recovering from the birth of her third child 18 days earlier, and her children to the relative safety of a nearby woodlot just before the battle reached their home. To the west of the house, Captain John Parker led the Lexington militia in engaging the retreating British Regulars. The Whittemore family lived in the house from the time of its construction in 1716-1718 by Jacob’s father, Nathaniel, until 1780 when it was sold by the family.

A selection of smaller huts and out houses, these were from the Pendraken Russian range but will be a useful addition to bulk out the table.

Next up AWI Woodland Indians.

10mm Terrain - Time Cast Models

It's terrain week, I had hoped to get a game in for Lexington and Concorde back in April but needed some more fields, walls and buildings to flesh out the table. But real life has conspired of late seriously hindering both game and painting time, so some quick wins sprucing up some of the Time Cast latex fields and marshes to day.

First up another obstacle for the British to cross a light bridge surrounded by swamps.

I had a bunch of static grass which when added to the swamp pieces gave them some density to the terrain piece.

US militia cross the bridge, by pure coincidence the basing for the units for Rebels and Patriots are fit the width of the bridge.

Next up a whole bunch of fields, two packs from Time Cast, some of them have plough rows whilst others are plain, I picked up some super sticky crops/grass from Geek Gaming Scenics these bring the fields to life a little and are not to high when compared to the figures. 

Not a bad afternoon's effort and some good extra's to bulk out the table and the extra buildings currently being undercoated.

A few more weeks and I should be game ready.

Black Hawk Down - Wyre Forest Club

Thanks to Andy from the Wyre Forest Club as guest blog writer this week and a HUGE Black Hawk Down game at our latest club all dayer.

This was only our 4th game with the rules so with a nod to Oriskany Jim of the Sitrep podcast and the QRS sheets he sent me and his two part video on you tube he posted up we were ready.

MISSION BRIEF.

DTG 03OCT93 1230L               
HUMINT  XXX Agency advises there is a EN Habr Gidr Clan Meet at possibly the Cultural Building (Code name MAIN TARGET BUILDING) on Hawaldig Road.

LAUNCH CODE WORD: IRENE valid till 2359L
Mission Template dictates a heliborne Delta Breaching team with 2 Ranger chalks acting as blocking force. Road convoy will pick up High Value Targets and Breaching teams and Blocking force and Exfil on road in the convoy back to MOB.

The Black Hawks Head into the Objective.

Tier 1 Breach Teams

2 MH6 Little Birds unarmed

2 DELTA teams, Delta team Leader TQ D12 Morale D12, 3 Deltas TQ D10 Morale D12

TASK FORCE RANGER

TWO CHALKS TQD8/ Morale D10

Chalk HQ, Off D10/D10, RTO, Medic, Pltn Sgt plus man

Aerial Support

2 MH60s with 2 Snipers each (can be set down if required) on constant orbital support)

1 CSAR MH60 Bird with 14 Men

4 Delta D10/D12, 6 Rangers D8/D10, 2 Parajumper advanced life saving medics  medics D8/D12

1 MH6 (with strafing attack) per turn TQ D12 check first to see if it arrives 

CONVOY

4 HUMVEE With 50cal 4 men each

1 HUMVEE with MK19 GLR 4 men

2 M939 5 ton Lorries 4 men each

The target building before the convoy arrives.

To add to the competition on the day both sides were provided with the following Victory Points.

Somali National Alliance KIA 1VP

Somali Warlord KIA 10 VP

Somali Technical Mission Kill 5VP

US Forces

Each HVT KIA -5VP

KIA TFR 10 VP

Serious wound TFR 5 vp

Lorry/ Hummer Mission Kill 5vp

The Convey sets off with it's prisoners

A slow start burning tyres and Black Smoke belched into the sky calling out across the city, Somalis were amassing and standing by awaiting the slow moving convoy.

First sign of trouble and the lead hummer blunders into a Somali technical, needing a high score, they rolled a 12, they knock out the lead vehicle. Disaster.....

The Convey rolls forward with Black Hawk and Little Bird Air Cover. Somalis we’re wiped out in droves, but every turn more we’re answering the call to the fight in reserve.

The reinforcements were hindered by the Air Support targeting the numerous technicals.

We have a Black Hawk Down....

The aircrew were jumped and wiped out less one pilot who was taken alive a national shame for the Americans.

A crew of 14 Deltas, Rangers and pars jumper paramedics were Set down away from the crash site on some sort of bizarre park and ride. The rushed to the crash site to find the crew gone.

Somalia militia rushed from the surrounding buildings a vicious fire fight took place where the search. And rescue team were. More American casualties were taken. The mass of fighters overwhelmed the defenders and another American was captured alive.

Mean while the convoy several blocks away took another wrong turn.

Another Hummer is taken out as Task Force Ranger lack of map reading proved fatal. By now we took stock of the game and called it. A bloodbath on both sides. 

If we had carried on I think the road convoy would have had to try and laager up and defend itself from a static place and call for external help to extricate themselves.

A great game on a great looking table with virtually all done from fresh since Christmas with a week to  go I made 52 foot of wall with foamboard.

Lessons learned as it was only the 4th game more rules questions rolled in which was inevitable, more civilian mobs we need on the table to create more uncertainty. The random choice of road direction made for a real challenge for the US Players.

By games end.

Somalis 106 KIA 

Two destroyed technicals.

 Task Force Ranger. 

5 KIA 

2 aircrew KIA 

2 Prisoners of war 1 Aircrew 1 Ranger 

3 Task Force Ranger seriously wounded

2 Hummers Destroyed 

Amercian War of Independance Month - Maryland Regiments with a little help from AI.

It's nice paint something else that's not in desert yellow.

This months focus is AWI and the backlog of 10mm items amassed over the past few months.

First up 4 units representing Maryland Regiments for Rebels and Patriots.

Short on time this week, I thought I would ask ChatGTP to write this blog, lets see if AI is any good :-)

It feels like it might have some way to go.....

Here you go.....

Painting the Brave Maryland Regiments in the American War of Independence As an artist and history enthusiast, my journey into painting the regiments from Maryland who fought in the American War of Independence has been both inspiring and enlightening. The stories of bravery, resilience, and sacrifice of these soldiers have deeply resonated with me, and I feel compelled to bring their legacy to life through my art. 

Now for the regimental history.

The 1st Maryland Regiment: Smallwood's Brave Soldiers The 1st Maryland Regiment, also known as Smallwood's Regiment, was formed in early 1776 under the command of Colonel William Smallwood. This regiment played a crucial role in several key battles, including the Battle of Long Island and the Battle of White Plains. Their distinctive dark blue coats with red facings, white waistcoats, and tricorn hats symbolize their unity and discipline. Painting these soldiers allows me to honour their courage and the pivotal role they played in the fight for independence. 

The 2nd Maryland Regiment: Resilient Warriors The 2nd Maryland Regiment, authorized in January 1776, was known for its resilience and effectiveness in battle. Commanded by Colonel Thomas Price and later Colonel John Gunby, this regiment fought valiantly in major engagements such as the Battle of Trenton, Princeton, Brandywine, and Germantown. Their contributions to the Continental Army's efforts are a testament to their unwavering dedication. Capturing their spirit on canvas is my way of preserving their legacy and sharing their story with future generations.

The 3rd Maryland Regiment, formed in September 1776, participated in significant battles like Brandywine, Germantown, Monmouth, and the Southern Campaigns, including Camden and Guilford Court House. Commanded by Colonel Mordecai Gist and Lieutenant-Colonel Nathaniel Ramsey, these soldiers demonstrated remarkable bravery and resilience. Painting the 3rd Maryland Regiment allows me to highlight their contributions to the war effort and honour their sacrifices. 

Why I Paint These Regiments Although no major battles of the American Revolutionary War occurred in Maryland, this did not prevent the state's soldiers from distinguishing themselves through their service. General George Washington was impressed with the Maryland regulars (the "Maryland Line") who fought in the Continental Army and, according to one tradition, this led him to bestow the name "Old Line State" on Maryland. 

Under the assumption that paid soldiers furnished with rations and suits of clothes would be better soldiers, on January 18, 1776, the Maryland Provincial Convention established the Maryland Line as a regiment of uniformed regulars. What distinguished the Maryland troops from other colonial levies was the time they spent drilling before joining the ranks of the Continental Army. This resulted in a disciplined, cohesive unit. Not all Continental infantry regiments raised in a state were part of a state quota. 

On December 27, 1776, the Second Continental Congress gave commanding General George Washington the authority to recruit and raise sixteen additional Continental infantry regiments at large. Forman’s, Gist’s, Grayson’s, and Hartley’s Regiments were partially drawn from Maryland. Other Continental infantry regiments and smaller units, also unrelated to a state quota, were raised as needed for special or temporary service. The "Maryland Line" was assigned a quota of eight regiments in 1777, which was reduced to five in 1781. The regiments of the line were: 1st Maryland Regiment 2nd Maryland Regiment 3rd Maryland Regiment 4th Maryland Regiment 5th Maryland Regiment 6th Maryland Regiment 7th Maryland Regiment German Battalion (counted as half a regiment against the quota) Maryland and Virginia Rifle Regiment (counted as half a regiment against the quota) 2nd Independent Maryland Company The Maryland Line protected the evacuation of Washington's troops across the East River to Manhattan at the Battle of Long Island. 

On August 27, 1776, members of the 1st Maryland Regiment under the command of Major Mordecai Gist repeatedly charged a numerically superior British force, allowing General Washington to successfully evacuate the bulk of his troops to Manhattan. Of the approximately 270 men of the so-called Maryland 400, fewer than a dozen made it back to the American lines. Two months later, at the Battle of White Plains, William Smallwood's 1st Maryland Regiment, along with regiments from New York and Delaware, reinforced Chatterton's Hill, covering the retreat of other troops across the Bronx River. According to popular tradition, Washington expressed his high esteem for the Maryland Line after their heroic stand at the Battle of Long Island. 

Because of the long service of the high-quality regiments, General Washington referred to the Maryland units as his "Old Line," giving the State of Maryland one of its nicknames as "The Old Line State." 

Next up buildings for Lexington and Concorde all written by myself..... Honest.

Snapdragon Studio - A nice find.

Whilst at Alumwell a couple of months ago, I picked up these tucked away on one of the stands. In a base coat of yellow I suspect they were over looked by many so a quick paint job to match them to my existing terrain.

Before 3D Prints and MDF there was Snapdragon Studio (Later Moondragon) there resin casts were some of the best on the market. 

Sadly no longer available and Kerry who ran the business and sculpted them did not sell on the rights when he shut up shop back in 2004 after a period of illness.

The had there own style and you can occasionally see them pop up on E-bay.

Imagine when I spotted these for the princely sum of £8.00 what a bargain.

A quick make over, some signs and the containers and a wash finished with tufts and the occasional rocks and they are done. These will be a great addition to the WW2 desert terrain.

Such a shame we won't see them again.

Task Force Ranger - Force on Force.

Wyre Forecast Club game and the first dry run for the All-dayer, giving Force on Force a run out and the US efforts to bring order to Somalia.

Credit to Andy at the club he has been powering through buildings and figures at a rate of knots... 

History recounts the following.....

On September 21, 1993, during Operation Gothic Serpent, Task Force Ranger conducted a mission to capture Osman Ali Atto in Mogadishu. The operation involved a coordinated effort by elite units, including Army Rangers, Delta Force operators, and the 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment (SOAR)

The mission began with intelligence indicating Atto's location near Digfer Hospital. Task Force Ranger deployed a combination of ground and air assets, including MH-60 Black Hawk helicopters and Humvees, to secure the area and capture Atto. The Rangers and Delta Force operators quickly moved to the target building, securing the perimeter and entering the premises to apprehend Atto

Despite the rapid execution, the mission faced challenges, including sporadic gunfire from local militia forces. The Rangers and Delta operators maintained their positions, ensuring Atto's capture and safe extraction

The operation was completed successfully, with Atto being taken into custody without significant casualties on the American side

This mission was part of the broader effort to destabilize General Aidid's network and reduce his influence in Mogadishu. The capture of Atto was a tactical success, demonstrating the effectiveness of Task Force Ranger's coordination and execution.

In our game things went similarly well for the US forces, roping in and securing a roof top on the right and clearing another high rise with the mini-guns from the Black Hawks. One Hot spot down and some good firing positions to supress and neutralise the growing mobs.

The little Birds swooped in and Delta Force dropped into the hot zone. They were shot at by a number of militia men before the Rangers were able to pin the Skinnies. One of the Delta Force Operators was seriously wounded as he dropped in behind the petrol station where Atto was hiding out.

Atto made a break for it, looking to hide amongst some locals, but was brought under fire by the Operators and Rangers as he burst from the garage. Atto and his bodyguard were dropped before he could hide amongst the throng of civilians.

Delta Force moved forward to secure their prize.... 

Unfortunately Delta Force and the Rangers were rather enthusiastic in their suppression of the fleeing Atto, when they reached the bodies Atto was Dead... (1 on a 1D6).

Grabbing the body and his phone the US withdrew to the roof top and waited for the extract.

Loses on the day 2 Delta Force wounded one seriously and two Rangers lightly wounded when an RPG round hit the roof top.

Tactically a great success for the US, but I fear we may have taught the Somalia's a trick or two when we next encounter them. Roll on the all-dayer lets just hope we don't lose a Black Hawk.