Whilst The Iron Is Hot

Post Partizan I've certainly been in a more wargaming frame of mind, as it is hard not to be inspired by all that you see at the show. Also you can have too much of a good thing, so the recent break in the weather has come as a welcome change, giving me a good excuse to get indoors and do something different. As mentioned in the last post, I did consider trying to get something organised for D-Day 6th June, possibly resurrecting my fictional Canadians in Normandy mini-campaign. 

Well that has indeed happened and for the past few days, I have been jotting ideas down, lists of things to do and check my resource material for details etc to incorporate in the campaign. So as a bit of an update, see below to get an idea of where I am and what I've been up to.

My main reference material, all of which are excellent books, but the John Keegan one is particularly useful to get a good overview of the Canadian landings, without going into much detail. All will provide a good framewok upon which to build the initial landings and follow up actions. More to follow in due course.

Of course if you are going to game the landings, then you need some beach defences for the Germans. I've had this book for years and as with Zaloga, an excellent one too. This along with some of the other books above, has given me an idea of what defences I need to make, which can be seen below.

The start of a German gun emplacement, with this side facing the sea. It is made from 4mm foamboard, which sort of gives that look of layered concrete you see on some of the bunkers etc. It is 80mm wide x 40mm deep x 20mm high.

The side facing inland and where the ATG gun will go (Pak 38), open on both sides so that it can shoot down either side of the beach. This is based upon the Vf600-SK 50mm gun emplacement that was on the far left of Juno beach. It was knocked out my naval gun fire, but could shoot down Gold beach as well.

Some other defences, from L-R: Goliath and control team; Tobruk MG; Panzerstellung Tobruk and Pak 38 to go in the gun emplacement. 

A LCT and LCA bought at Partizan last year. Whilst a nice think to have for the visuals of the game, I'm concentrating on painting stuff I need first and foremost. They need a bit of a clean up first to get rid of mould lines etc. They should look good when finished though.

And In Other News

Just a couple of things that are not related to the current focus of my gaming.

Doh! I bought this one church at Partizan this year and I think the other at Colours last year. What a muppet! Leon at Pendraken might be kind and let me swap for something else, or I can give it away or do some converting.

This is my current book I'm reading and what a cracker it is. Keegan is such a wonderful historian and story teller, it is not only a pleasure to read, but chock full of bits of info I had not heard before. Highly recommended for anyone with an interest in the ACW.

What Next?

Well the focus will of course be on getting stuff painted and ready for the first game, alongside all the OOB, maps, objectives etc. I have most of it already, it just needs bringing together all in one place. At least the weather for the next week is in my favour as it is looking wet. Not often I would say this but I'm quite happy with that, as long as I can get some priming in!

Right, off to more research! As always thanks for reading and any comments greatly appreciated:).

TTFN.