First Photos of Our Italian War Campaign.

(editor's note: images link-out to reveal full-size, correctly oriented pictures)

Photo of the Map of Italy during the initial opening moves. The French A1 army under the command of Charles VIII, King of France are in Naples and their B army is based in Nice (enjoying the sunny climate). Papal States A1 army commanded by Prospero Colonna in Terni, Spanish A1 army commanded by Fernando d' Avalos, Marquess of Pescara in Ancona. The Venetian A1 army is in Ferrara and their B army is in Pasaro. Remember Italy was not a unified country during this period of history. It was broken up in to individual states and Cities, governed by Kings, Princes & the Pope.


As you can see the French main army based in Nice


The position of the Venetian, Spanish, Papal armies. Note the markers in Venice and Piombino, these represent the agents of Venice and the Papacy. They can do a great deal of damage to ones opponent, such as instigate revolts assassinate an opponent's general and influence treaties.


Another photo of the armies positions. In the next turn the Spanish A1 army as moved into Pasaro.

French army B, basking in the Mediterranean sun. They need to be aware there is a plague in Genoa, if they march through this area they can lose a portion the army.






Three photographs of Heavy Cavalry in Battle Mass. A Piquet, Band of Brothers formation. They are waiting for the fisrt encounter with the Venetians or French.

Preparation for Franco-Prussian war scenario "Battle of Worth"

Hi! everyone, it's been a long time since I have put fingers to the key board. My time as been spent painting Franco-Prussian War Foundry figures and preparing the terraine for the up and coming scenario, the Prussian left flank attack against the the French position on a ridge out side the town of Worth. I have not included the river that actually runs through Woth, as I have yet to see if I have enough river segments to run the full length of the table. If I dont, I shall not worry, as it did not seem to impead the Prussian attack.
The game will take place this coming Saturday, 27/06/09. I will give a brief outline of the actual battle on the weekend, so stay "tuned". The 2 photos represent the town of Worth, I have placed a factory on the outskirts of the Town, just to give an Industrial effect. The Model is a office and engine shed model kit, the chiminy stack is an off cut of PVC Piping (those off cuts, do come in handy). The Town itself was in the centre of the Prussian Line. Note the Prussian Gun Limber, passing though the Town. The model is from the Foundry Figures Franco-Prussian War Range. This company produce figures of a very high quality.

A little way down the road is a farm house with a smal wood along side. I bought the Farm House from BattleLine Scenic. The Rep is based at the Class House Mountains here in Queensland and Yes! He does have a "Web Sight".




Two shoots of Niederwald. this Forest was occupied by French Chasseurs at the sart of the battle, but they were pushed out by the Prussians. Niederwald was on the extreme left flank of the Prussian line and on the right flank of the French.

A view of the ridge looking from the road. The French actually took up postion on this ridge

Another view of the Town. "Command Pique" will be the Rule set that we will be using on the day. To save time, my friends have asked me to roll up each armies characteristics
I shall bring this brief narrative to a close so until the the next chapter, heres to Freindly Gaming.

2nd group of photographs - captions to be edited

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Battle of "Toledo"

As promised, the report on the game that Russ and I played last sunday. Another view of the "village" used as terrain in the game. The village was placed on my right flank.

Same shot of the Church that I featured earlier.

Blacksmith hard at work, unaware that not very far away are two armies about to join in combat for who has the right to rule.

a local Squire about to bring in supplys for his "Boss".

I title of this slide is "The Young Infante and his personal Standard Bearer" joining the army, ready to do battle against the King. In the background are Andalusian Allies.

The Infante has now taken up postion with his personnal "Household Knights". These were placed in the centre of the battle field.

The Infante's close "Friend" "The Bishop Of Castille" (Figure holding the Standard) In the "WarHammer El Cid Rules" I payed extra points making him a "Crusading Bishop". The unit that has this character is a powerfull force to be reckoned with. Leadership of 10 subject to Hatred.



Two photos of the very same Bishop coming to blows with the Kings unit. I am sorry to say the Bishop lost the combat, resulting in the entire unit running away. I had to throw panic tests for three of my units, guess what happened, yes, your right, all three failed, which resulted in all three running off the table, leaving my left flank exposed. After this poor excuss for dicie throwing I surrended the game to Russ.

My Battle line looking down the left flank. The unit in the foreground are another Andalusian infantry unit.

Russ' Right flank, showing a number of crossbow men in skirmish formation.

My skirmish archer unit facing the Might of Russ' infantry

Unit of Caballeros charging my mercenary bow unit. This combat lasted 2 turns before my unit decided they had had enough, so they ended up going to the Inn in the village Ha! The Caballeros swept all before them opening up my right flank.

Ballesteros,Crossbow men about to recieve a charge from Caballeros light cavalry. I thoght by standing and shooting I could inflict 25% on the charging unit, but alas I failed leaving the Crossbow men to fight gallantly on. In the end they just could not hold and ended up making off in the direction of the Inn. Yes! the Inn Keeper on the day made a fortune. He was last seen sun tanning on the local beach.

My Infantry looking on Russ' Battle line. Note the middle flag of the unit in the foreground, this I used as my "Battle Standard". The flag features the "Virgin Mary holding Christ" as you have not already worked out, the day did not go to plan the Renegade Infante ended up running away. The photo below is the same one as featured above "How did that sneak in"?
I always enjoy using "WarHammer El Cid Rules" Russ and I use them whenever we play a medeval game, which I must say is a favourite period of mine. Hope you enjoy looking at the photos, as much as I enjoyed taking them.

Village Church Scene

First of all it has been a while since I last posted any news, so I thought I'll open up with a couple of photos of a section of the village incorporated in the game that Russ and I used as terrain in the game played last weekend, more about the game later। I think this is a fine shot of the Church, which is a fine piece to display on the table. The
trees lend that touch of realism, what do you think? The Waterfall, scatch-build - the idea came from a "Railway Magazine" I read at our local library.

(editors note: here's a link to two such items held by the excellent Brisbane City Council Library, 'Australian model railway magazine' & 'Model Rail')