Some recent Bloggers have been talking about the Russian Civil War lately and whilst sorting through my books recently I came across an Osprey that I picked up at a show a few years ago, on White and Allied Armoured Units. It has lots of useful information that I ported across to my AVBCW setting. Whilst re-reading it the other night and browsing e-bay, I managed to pick up two Osprey books on the 'Red' and 'White' armies.
This landed on my doorstep yesterday is another treasure trove for the wargamer. I had bought it just for background reading, but whilst flicking through, I realised that I had plenty of 19thC 'Russian' that I had bought with the intention of playing the 'Big Game' over India and Afghanistan. Rather than doing this I could use them for my AVBCW setting, which would be cool.
I like the idea of using more cavalry in my games, even though I hate painting horses and tack. BKCII didn't have stats for cavalry, other than as transport, but BKCIV does, which is just the excuse I need to field some Cossacks etc! It may not be a perfect fit for the AVBCW setting, but it works for me, or I can simply use them for some RCW games or 'what if?' conflicts in 1930's Europe. What's not to like?
RCW. The latest rage?
ReplyDeleteI think it might be Jonathan. Last year seemed to be 'War of the Roses'. Frankly anything Inter-War tweaks my interest immediately.
DeleteOooh interesting. I currently have a bit of a yen for VBCW in 15mm. These books might well be on my Xmas list. Cheers for the info.
ReplyDeleteYour welcome. I love the uniforms that allow plenty of leeway to use any figures you really like for your units. Also lots of mixed Brigades, with British, Whites, Americans etc. I think any of the Inter-War books will have something of interest, but these I really liked.
DeleteThank you for the book reviews. This is a fascinating period I know little about.
ReplyDeleteYour welcome Mark. My knowledge is limited but the Osprey Essential Histories on the RCW is a very good primer. Maybe a more detailed book will be in the offing next month as a birthday present...
DeleteAn interesting and useful trio, with the armour one in particular being the sort of book that is 'where else would you find that stuff all in one place' type of book.
ReplyDeleteVery true Norm. The details on armoured train usage is particularly enlightening.
DeleteA lovely period Steve , complex but full of variety and more colourful than many realise. We certainly enjoy the period at our skirmish/large skirmish level 👍
ReplyDeleteIt certainly is a lovely period Matt and one that might take time to get my head around. But certainly plenty of colourful uniforms and units to choose from. Even with BKCII, I can play some small scale actions which is nice, with Bolt Action a possibility in the future too.
DeleteI have a misguided tendency to whitewash the RCW and other inter war conflicts as "skirmish" games although as has been demonstrated across the blogosphere this is far from the case! perhaps more reading is in order for me?
ReplyDeleteI do think that these 'conflicts' tend to lend themselves to 'skirmish' levels games from a purely visual point of view. From a games perspective I think the bigger battles work better, but that's just my opinion. It has sparked a desire to learn more about the RCW, alongside the fighting in the Baltic Republics and the 'Asian' territories of the Soviet Union during this period. The Russo-Polish War is interesting too. Certainly a fascinating period of history for us wargamers:)
Deleteamen sir! I didnt realize there were legions of unemployed German veterans who went to far off Estonia to fight as well. all excellent gaming fodder! thank you Mark Felton YouTube videos!
ReplyDeleteThe whole post WWI period is a treasure trove of conflicts, units with fancy uniforms fighting in far flung places across Eastern Europe. in fact I just ordered Orlando Figes book on the RCW to have a greater knowledge than I currently have. A big tome but one I'm looking forward to reading.
DeleteYou know you want to Steve, I had a Peter Laing army a very long time ago and they were always fun encounters, the cross over with AVBCW should make it a relatively low cost expansion. Sorry I missed you last weekend an unexpected weekend away from the kids, well done on the game and award.
ReplyDeleteCheers
Stu
Thanks Stu and your absence was understandable but it would have been good to have caught up with you. Looking at my toys painted and in bags, I have plenty of stuff to have a stab at some RCW games, with a few additional units that would be nice to have, but probably more cavalry required.
DeleteI may be one of the Bloggers mentioning the RCW that you refer to in your intro Steve. If so, and I have helped in any small way to inspire you, then I am well pleased with my efforts! An imaginary Thirties campaign sounds perfect to me, almost Pulp like in fact!
ReplyDeleteYou are indeed one of the Bloggers Keith! The period is rather interesting and I look forward to receiving Figes book on the RCW to get a great understanding of the whole period. '30's ImagiNations at a smaller scale are perfect for a Pulp setting and just allow one to indulge in getting their favourite toys on the table!
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