Innehållsförteckning för January 2025 från Miniature Wargames

Last year, I wrote the first Kinch’s Miscellany: this was an idea I floated with the editor which was a collection of shorter pieces that wouldn’t stretch to a full column. I was a bit nervous writing the first one as I wasn’t sure if readers would like it, but… I got some nice emails from wargamers who had tried out some of the ideas in it. Since then I’ve been chucking ideas for another one into a GoogleDoc ever since. The scenario I am working on at the moment needs a little while longer to cook, so – in the meantime – here is a collection of ideas that might be of use. They were certainly of use to me. REWIND But going back to when I wrote the…

MATERIALS USED ◗ MDF◗ Insulation foam 3mm and 5mm thick◗ Cork◗ Bloodfin FC20 toy from Hasbro ◗ Modelling compound from Geek Gaming ◗ DAS modelling clay◗ Ready-mixed filler◗ Wood chips◗ Sieved stones and sand◗ Plastic card/plastic rod My plan was to scratch build another fantasy inspired house… But that all changed when I was watching the new Star Wars series on Disney – The Acolyte, specifically episode three. In one of the opening scenes the young heroine is sitting in a forest clearing and in the background is a wrecked stone donut with segmented decoration. I rewound the episode and started sketching this unusual piece of set design. Some days later I picked up a plastic model of a Darth Maul Speeder Bike (Bloodfin FC20) for 50p from a charity…

LAST MONTH Last month I introduced the idea of reusing some rules I wrote for locating a downed UFO in the woods in a sci-fi setting, swapping both the protagonists and the target for the Wehrmacht hunting a Maquis/SOE drop into the woods in France in WWII. I detailed the vehicles and figure requirements for the game. This time I run through the board placement and how a turn progresses. PLACING THE BOARD To start the game, the Resistance/Maquis player (from now just Maquis) places Forest Tiles randomly around the Start Tile (where all of the selected German forces – four vehicles and four infantry units – have assembled). The Maquis player begins by laying a new Tile onto all six edges in turn. Each tile is then placed down…

Each Command Decision usually aims to offer a series of playable options in timeless military scenarios. Command Decision is designed so you can read the situation and figure out your own command decisions if you were leading the troops on the ground. You can either work through the various options or use the mechanics to create the precise circumstances of the table top engagement. The scenarios may have particular historical themes and settings, but you can easily adapt the mechanics to suit your own preferences and collections. SETTING THE SCENE By 1634 the Thirty Years’ War had been raging across Europe for sixteen years. The walled Protestant town of Nördlingen was under siege by an 18,000 strong Catholic force. The siege had begun on August 17 and the Catholics were…

James introduced himself in the Last Word section of issue 500: here’s a scenario for a period close to my heart and using his new Midgard rules. Ed. INTRODUCTION In many ways, JRR Tolkien created the archetypal fantasy world, and one that is being constantly reinterpreted. Middle-earth has undergone a huge explosion in popularity following the release of Peter Jackson’s movies of the Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit, and now the Amazon Prime series The Rings of Power (oh dear no… Ed.). Tolkien’s world remains a fascinating setting for gaming of all kinds, although the cinematic interpretations – so far of the Second and Third Ages of Middle-earth – sometimes limit our ability to think beyond their visualisations. Fortunately, thus far, the First Age of Middle-earth has remained largely untouched, and…

Iattended Warfare: the wargaming weekend at the Farnborough International Exhibition & Conference Centre organised by the Wargames Association of Reading. Now in its third year at the Farnborough ‘big shed’ venue Warfare is one of the few remaining shoes that runs for a two day weekend, along side demo and party games plus a very large competition section and an extensive trade show (plus a Bring and Buy). There’s lots of free parking and a cafe that is far from cheap but has plenty of seats to sit and eat lunch on. Entry was £12 cash on the door but four times that to be in the competitions (their ‘bread and butter’ I guess). The venue is large and spacious with a second smaller hall for more trade. Talking of…

This is Mr Swans concluding piece. Ed. SCENARIO 1: CLOSING A CAT HOUSE The Law and Order faction intend to close down a local bordello “Alice’s Emporium for Discerning Gentlemen” which just happens to be co-owned by Holman. Marshal Crowley accompanied by Bodie and Doyle have arrived with a writ ordering its closure. Meanwhile Greer, the Detmund Brothers and Lefty Mann lurk in the shade of a nearby livery barn “just in case.” Unfortunately the Madam and her girls are not alone as both Westerner and Dunn were “visiting” and step out of the front door as the lawmen begin their approach. Moreover, having got word of the proposed action, Holman, Sweeny, McGraw and Mixer are hurrying up the street towards the bordello to prevent its closure. The objective for both…

The finest miniatures in history! From the war-torn cities of Europe, through to the deserts of North Africa or the islands of the Pacific, Bolt Action puts you in command of the most famous battles of the Second World War. Assemble your miniatures, gather your dice and be ready to lead your army to victory in games of Bolt Action! Bolt Action Starter Set RRP/MSRP: £42.50 / €51.00 / $68.00 For 2 players Play time 30-60 minutes per session Ages 14+ The Bolt Action Starter Set has everything you need to jump into Bolt Action, the ultimate World War II wargame, and start your journey into the thrilling world of tabletop wargaming. Inside, you’ll discover finely detailed plastic miniatures—tough German Grenadiers and fearless US Rangers. You’ll also find a battle…