A Proper Artist

When I put out a plea for a proper artist to help with some sketches for The Classic Wargamer's Journal, I was contacted in a matter of hours by one subscriber, Chris Gregg of Cheltenham, UK. 
Now, this is one talented fellow... on the wargaming front, where his well-painted armies do battle on exceptional terrain adorned with wonderful scratch-built edifices (I know this, because I've seen the pdf he produces for his club... and more of that anon); and also on the artistic front. Well, he's a proper artist you see, so as you can imagine I snapped up the chance to have Chris produce some sketches for CWJ (next issue is already looking good- but I would say that, wouldn't I?!).

In addition, having perused Chris's online gallery, I also commisioned a painting for my Christmas present. Now, the picture arrived - a wonderfully composed and executed piece showing a vedette of Bercheny Hussars on patrol.I only got a sneak preview before Liz whisked it away to be framed, but Chris also sent me a black and white scan of the piece, which is reproduced here, simply to show you what Chris can do, and as an insight into some of the artistry that will enhance CWJ in future issues.

You can view Chris' online gallery (see links). But be aware... he's a busy fellow, with a number of exhibitions coming up in 2011 for which he is producing some exquisite work. So, if you want to avail yourself of his services, you'll have to join the queue! If you are serious about getting some beautiful, original art, from someone who knows how to paint both landscapes and military subjects, I can certainly recommend Chris.

Otterlitz game

Just to show I haven't disappeared, buried under a deluge of submissions and subscriptions for CWJ (keep em coming...!), here are a few pictures taken at the home of Alasdair Jamison during a game last weekend. The game was a SYW version of the Otterlitz scenario recently featured in CWJ (and originally in War Gamer's Digest in 1957).

above: the town of Otterlitz, on the Rusian right flank, is about to have it's peace disturbed.

Above: Alasdair (on the left) seems confident about the Russian dispositions.

Below: the Prussians cross the stream

Above: The Prussian cavalry second wave charges the Russian right-centre.

Below: And now the chink in the armour of the Russian defence becomes a hole and the Prussian Dragoons prepare to exploit their breakthrough.

All figures from the collection of Alasdair Jamison.

I played the part of commander of the Russians (General Ivan Awfulitch), defending the ridgeline, ably asisted by Alasdair, with David Shuttleworth (see Wargames Amateur blog link) and Steve Ayers being the Prussian attackers. A full report is on David's blog... and in truth he has been kind to us Ruskis in his account. The reality is that whilst the game did hang in the balance till mid afternoon, in the end we were well beaten.

It is done!

Tomorrow will be posting day... with all copies having now been printed, stapled, and enveloped, CWJ volume I, Issue 1 will be posted out to subscribers.

PDFs will also be sent out to those who have subscribed to that format.
If you haven't received your PDF by tomorrow evening (Thursday 14 October, say 8pm UK time), let me know (but check your spam filter/ junk email first!).

Similarly, I can see no reason why UK hard-copy subscribers won't have theirs by this weekend. Certainly, let me know if not received by end of Monday 18th.

And for overseas subscribers, last time it seemed to take around 5-7 days to reach the various corners of the globe. Let's say anyone who hasn't received by 28th October, let me know.

Similarly, I'll be glad to hear from the first to receive theirs (from the overseas folk in particular) - let us know on the comments here. That way we can see if anything has gone awry. Let's see who is the first Canadian/ US/ Australian/ New Zealander, and European recipient).

Cheers for now...

CWJ October issue

Coming soon...

Classic Wargamer’s Journal, Volume I, issue 1... Autumn 2010.




I am really enjoying putting together this issue, which will be out next week... and includes such articles as:

Spurlash Down – the second part, with a full battle report on the action as fought recently. Stephen Caddy has written part 2 of his FireRaisers piece which began in the Pilot Issue, and Chris Stringer has provided a battle report titled, Advance Guard.
Greg Horne’s ACW project also features, and Peter Verduyn begins a series on his own Hyboria campaign. Stuart Asquith is marooned, and also goes in search of Hook’s Farm. David Shuttleworth offers ideas for scenarios set in the dark, and Stokes Schwartz sets out the case for Imagi-Nations. There’s also a skirmish scenario set in Darkest Africa by Ian Allen, along with a number of other battle reports (the regular feature Tales from the Frontline is up and running). We draw another “one from the archives” (this time a tabletop action from June 1957), and Conrad Kinch makes a first appearance, with a wry look at the hobby.

All in all, something for many different tastes. Thanks to the contributors, and to those who have already submitted material which will have to appear in the January issue! We’re on a roll!!!! Having a good stock of articles allows me to create a better balance covering many periods in each issue... and as always I’m keen to include battle reports and scenarios that, with a little imagination, can be easily adapted for many periods, any rules, and any number of figures.

And finally, thanks to all who have subscribed. As ever, I am very grateful for your support.

Copies will be sent out middle of next week.

Sittangbad Day and other news

Happy Sittangbad Day! 13th September is mentioned as the day the action was fought in Charge, and Blasthof Bridge is 26th September. Presumably the games took place on these dates (I've no reason to make that assertion, or to doubt it, it just seems reasonable to assume!)

above: Blasthof Bridge, my layout.

So, in the spirit of Classic Wargaming, here's a little competition (no prizes, just for fun). How about sending a battle report on one of these two actions for the next issue of CWJ, and I'll print the best. Max 300 words (yep, just a short one). Any period, any scale... just the original essence of one of the scenarios.
Not that I'm stuck for content. In fact, far from it... I have lots and lots, and so much variety too. Thanks to all the writers of articles, and in particular those who have submitted battle reports on the actions contained in the Pilot Issue. It seems the journal has had the desired effect in some quarters of folks actually dusting down the figures and having a few games. The "Tales from the Frontline" section is building nicely.

I'm delighted with progress on the journal in terms of "sales" aswell. Thanks to all who have supported. We have sent out well over 200 pilot issues, and subscriptions are continually flooding in.
Just a small note: when you do subscribe, please note, the Pilot Issue is not included in the sub... it's a different payment. The subscription kicks in with Vol I issue1, in October. And also, please if you are placing an overseas order, do take care to order the overseas versions, not the UK version.

Finally, I've added a testimonial/ feedback page (see navigation bar above) simply because of all the kind letters and emails received. I felt it was important to share this as it's for the benefit of so many who have helped get the venture off the ground. I just do the stapling! I have replied personally to every letter and email received, and will continue to do so... it just takes a little time that's all and if I don't come back to you immediately, don't despair.

Right, back to editing the next issue, which will be out mid October (I'm aiming at around 15th).
Oh, and don't worry, there's some wargaming and painting going on at this end too. More of which soon.
Phil

Unbasing

Had the Grand Old Duke of York been a wargamer, he would not only have marched his men to the top of a hill before marching them down again, but he would have also paused at the top, and re-based them before making the futile descent, and then no doubt re-based them again (possibly back to their previous basing arrangement) before making them plod back up the incline, ad infinitum.

When it comes to basing, one of the joys of this Classic Collection project is that such decisions don't have to be made. That is, with the exception of the Pils Holstein regiment who originally were in their unbased form, then got based (twice if I remember correctly) in order to function alongside other armies, but have recently returned to their raw state so as join the other Stadden infantry in this army.

The Grenadier company has always remained unbased, and performed magnificently at Spurlash Down as an independent company. They have now been joined by the other companies, to form a 4-company regiment (Grenadier company, 2 Line companies, Light Company) following the Charge "mixed regiment" organisation structure.

And as a pure indulgence, this has allowed me to set up a long desired shot of "infantry advancing on a broad front", similar to that iconic image of the Electoral infantry at Sittangbad in "Charge".

Left to right: Erbprinz Regiment, Saxe Coburg Regiment, and Pils Holstein regiment, with Garde Jaeger Light Infantry company skirmishing to the fore.

Claymore Report - The Action at Spurlash Down

For those not familiar with the scenario as outlined in the Pilot Issue of CWJ, the action at Spurlash Down is the first in a series of battles in The Blast Valley – a sort of expansion on Blasthof Bridge, that hardy annual of the Classic Wargame.

Under the banner of “The Forth Coalition” (us all being within striking distance of the River Forth in SE Scotland), Alan Gruber (perhaps better known as Tradgardmaster in blog land), Phil Williams, Tony Barratt (a visiting pal) and myself, played out the game at the Claymore show last Saturday. A full report will be in the next issue of the journal, but herewith some photos taken by Phil Williams of the action unfolding.

above: A company of The Erbprinz Regt gets its feet wet.

below: an overview of the table as the game progresses

The game seemed very well received, with people recognising the retro nature, and saying things like “it’s straight out of the pages of Charge”, which was most gratifying, for that’s exactly what we wanted to portray. We managed to play the game right through, and with all 4 of us busily nattering to visitors to the table throughout I hope we were able to answer all questions and simply engage with all-comers.

A fun day. And we picked up a little prize for the display, which was very heartening given the number of high quality, “realistic”, diorama style tables on show. It’s good to know that people “got” what we were doing.


Thanks to all who visited the table, stopped by to chat, and buoyed us up!

And thanks for the continuous support of Classic Wargamer's Journal, both in terms of buying the pilot, and subscribing. And for the number of articles and contributions being sent in. All very welcome indeed.