tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-77626441638802440282024-03-18T21:34:50.694-07:00Fields of Armorrobinochttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01105774418879048742noreply@blogger.comBlogger161125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7762644163880244028.post-89745705638715847252012-07-29T16:36:00.000-07:002012-07-29T16:36:02.196-07:00WI298 - EW Russians (Invasion of Poland)<a href="http://s258.photobucket.com/albums/hh244/solomong88/?action=view&current=WI-298-TitlePg.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i258.photobucket.com/albums/hh244/solomong88/WI-298-TitlePg.jpg" /></a><br />
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In what is becoming a tradition with this blog, today I present pictures of the EW Soviet army list from Wargames Illustrated #298. I'm presenting the entire list since most if not all the point values have already been dissected and discussed on the FOW boards.<br />
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Click below to view.<br />
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<b>RATING</b><br />
<a href="http://s258.photobucket.com/albums/hh244/solomong88/?action=view&current=WI-298-Motivation.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i258.photobucket.com/albums/hh244/solomong88/WI-298-Motivation.jpg" /></a><br />
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<b>BOXES</b><br />
<a href="http://s258.photobucket.com/albums/hh244/solomong88/?action=view&current=WI-298-Chart.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i258.photobucket.com/albums/hh244/solomong88/WI-298-Chart.jpg" /></a><br />
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<b>HQ</b><br />
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<a href="http://s258.photobucket.com/albums/hh244/solomong88/?action=view&current=WI-298-HQ.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i258.photobucket.com/albums/hh244/solomong88/WI-298-HQ.jpg" /></a>
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<b>STRELKOVY COMPANY</b><br />
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<a href="http://s258.photobucket.com/albums/hh244/solomong88/?action=view&current=WI-298-Strelkovy01.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i258.photobucket.com/albums/hh244/solomong88/WI-298-Strelkovy01.jpg" /></a>
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<b>MG COMPANY</b><br />
<a href="http://s258.photobucket.com/albums/hh244/solomong88/?action=view&current=WI-298-MGCo.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i258.photobucket.com/albums/hh244/solomong88/WI-298-MGCo.jpg" /></a>
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<b>GUN COMPANY</b><br />
<a href="http://s258.photobucket.com/albums/hh244/solomong88/?action=view&current=WI-298-GunCo.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i258.photobucket.com/albums/hh244/solomong88/WI-298-GunCo.jpg" /></a>
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<b>ANTI-TANK COMPANY</b><br />
<a href="http://s258.photobucket.com/albums/hh244/solomong88/?action=view&current=WI-298-ATCo.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i258.photobucket.com/albums/hh244/solomong88/WI-298-ATCo.jpg" /></a><br />
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<b>LIGHT TANKOVY COMPANY</b><br />
<a href="http://s258.photobucket.com/albums/hh244/solomong88/?action=view&current=WI-298-LightTankovyCo.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i258.photobucket.com/albums/hh244/solomong88/WI-298-LightTankovyCo.jpg" /></a><br />
It was cut off but Light Tankovy uses the Sabotage rule.<br />
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<b>HEAVY TANKOVY COMPANY</b><br />
<a href="http://s258.photobucket.com/albums/hh244/solomong88/?action=view&current=WI-298-HeavyTankovyCo.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i258.photobucket.com/albums/hh244/solomong88/WI-298-HeavyTankovyCo.jpg" /></a><br />
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<b>ARTILLERY BATALLION</b><br />
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<a href="http://s258.photobucket.com/albums/hh244/solomong88/?action=view&current=WI-298-ArtilleryBat.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i258.photobucket.com/albums/hh244/solomong88/WI-298-ArtilleryBat.jpg" /></a><br />
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<b>SCOUT PLATOON</b><br />
<a href="http://s258.photobucket.com/albums/hh244/solomong88/?action=view&current=WI-298-ScoutPlatoon.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i258.photobucket.com/albums/hh244/solomong88/WI-298-ScoutPlatoon.jpg" /></a><br />
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<b>SAPPER COMPANY</b><br />
<a href="http://s258.photobucket.com/albums/hh244/solomong88/?action=view&current=WI-298-Sappers.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i258.photobucket.com/albums/hh244/solomong88/WI-298-Sappers.jpg" /></a><br />
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<b>AA MG PLATOON</b><br />
<a href="http://s258.photobucket.com/albums/hh244/solomong88/?action=view&current=WI-298-AAPlatoon.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i258.photobucket.com/albums/hh244/solomong88/WI-298-AAPlatoon.jpg" /></a><br />
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<b>AIR SUPPORT</b><br />
<a href="http://s258.photobucket.com/albums/hh244/solomong88/?action=view&current=WI-298-AirSpport.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i258.photobucket.com/albums/hh244/solomong88/WI-298-AirSpport.jpg" /></a><br />
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<b>ARSENAL</b><br />
<a href="http://s258.photobucket.com/albums/hh244/solomong88/?action=view&current=WI-298-Arsenal03.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i258.photobucket.com/albums/hh244/solomong88/WI-298-Arsenal03.jpg" /></a><br />
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<b>ARSENAL</b><br />
<a href="http://s258.photobucket.com/albums/hh244/solomong88/?action=view&current=WI-298-Arsenal02.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i258.photobucket.com/albums/hh244/solomong88/WI-298-Arsenal02.jpg" /></a><br />
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<b>ARSENAL</b><br />
<a href="http://s258.photobucket.com/albums/hh244/solomong88/?action=view&current=WI-298-Arsenal01.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i258.photobucket.com/albums/hh244/solomong88/WI-298-Arsenal01.jpg" /></a><br />
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<b>SPECIAL RULES - WAVE ATTACK</b><br />
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<b>SPECIAL RULES - SABOTAGE</b><br />
<a href="http://s258.photobucket.com/albums/hh244/solomong88/?action=view&current=WI-298-Sabotage01.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i258.photobucket.com/albums/hh244/solomong88/WI-298-Sabotage01.jpg" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://s258.photobucket.com/albums/hh244/solomong88/?action=view&current=WI-298-Sabotage02.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i258.photobucket.com/albums/hh244/solomong88/WI-298-Sabotage02.jpg" /></a><br />
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<b>SPECIAL RULES - DUAL COMMAND</b><br />
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<a href="http://s258.photobucket.com/albums/hh244/solomong88/?action=view&current=WI-298-DualCommand.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i258.photobucket.com/albums/hh244/solomong88/WI-298-DualCommand.jpg" /></a><br />
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<br />robinochttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01105774418879048742noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7762644163880244028.post-87058864194634020992012-07-25T23:35:00.000-07:002012-07-28T00:15:49.619-07:00The CV Panther in Version 3<a href="http://s258.photobucket.com/albums/hh244/solomong88/?action=view&current=wreckedpanther.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i258.photobucket.com/albums/hh244/solomong88/wreckedpanther.jpg" /></a><br />
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Update 7/26: Ack - I fixed the formatting and converted the monstrous blob of a paragraph into its intended component parts. Sorry about the huge wall of unformatted text.<br />
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It's been a busy month. Unfortunately, none of the recent busy schedule translated to doing anything hobby wise other than picking up Devil's Charge and thinking about lists.
What follows is a rather long post containing my rambling musings.
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<a name='more'></a>I've also been reviewing my inventory of German vehicles. The plan is to get a "core" of vehicles that can be used in several different lists. My Saved Companies list in <a href="http://www.easyarmy.com/index.aspx">Easy Army</a> gets bigger by the day. If I can't get on the tabletop, or do much modelling, at the very least I can enjoy this hobby by adding to my collection and making army lists.<br />
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While dreaming up and creating dozens of lists, and then deleting most of them, I keep looking at one number - 560. Most of you will immediately recognize that the number corresponds to the cost of 3 Confident Veteran Panthers. The Panther is a staple in most German armies, whether they are armored, mechanized or infantry types. When I design a list, you'll find a platoon of Panthers in it. And why not? It has great mobility, great armor, and high AT and it's my favorite tank of WW2. You'll find the Panther in the Top 3 of any historians list of best tanks of WW2.<br />
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I want to point out to the reader that when I'm looking at lists, I am considering the tournament environment. Most of my FOW games are either at tournaments, or versus players who play in the local tournaments.<br />
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So what's the problem, you might ask? Version 3 and BGG. Version 3 bumped mobility for several vehicles - cough, wheeled, cough - and changed the TD rules. BGG produced Shermans with AT 13, greater mobility due to new special rules and TD lists. The result of a synergy that makes a Panther stand up and take notice when facing a US list.<br />
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The "game" has changed. German players can expect to see a US TD platoon in most lists. Rare will be a MW or LW US list without a TD platoon. Dare I say, the TD platoon(s) have become the US Panther - don't leave home without them. The Version 3 rules changes benefited infantry and mechanized armies. WWPD posted a sneak peak of the 2012 MW National results. The print is small, but I estimate there are 3 German armored companies that finished in the Top 50 (one 4th out of 86 entrants!). The majority of lists were Infantry or Mech. It's a direct result of tank assaults getting stopped by only two negative results (bailed or destroyed).<br />
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When designing list, I am now looking at those 560 pts (almost 1/3rd points investment in a 1,750 point list) and wondering how good an investment it is going to be in the world of Version 3. How survivable is a platoon of 3 Panthers to an Alpha Strike from US TD's who decloak? What about assaulting US Armored Rifles (don't do it!!). Plus, there's still artillery (top armor 1) and airstrikes to worry about.<br />
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The loss of a 560 point Panther platoon is potentially crippling. The obvious answer is to mitigate any damage inflicted by getting more hulls on the table that can still carry on the fight. Or better yet, getting multiple platoons of the same unit, so the loss of one doesn't devastate an army (the MSU concept from 40K).<br />
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How?
Trained Panthers. Grey Wolf (Wiking - Confident Trained), Blood, Gory (yes I said Gory, it's not a typo!) and Guts (Panzer Brigades - Reluctant Trained) and Devil's Charge (Peiper - Fearless Trained) offer intriguing possibilities around a core of Trained Panthers. The runner-up to the 2012 LW Nationals was a Wiking list of Panthers.
Is the new German "meta" for tournaments using Trained Panthers and surrounding them with meat shields (supporting units)? Rather than dumping a 1/3rd of your points into one platoon, is it better to spread the wealth around?<br />
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<a href="http://wwpd.libsyn.com/podcast/wwpd-news-from-the-front-episode-39">Episode 39 of WWPD</a> had a brief talk about Germans in a Version 3 environment. I wish it would have been longer, but those guys at WWPD are on time constraints and run a tight ship. In short, no pun intended, they focused on using recce. I hope to someday write a post on the subject with my own thoughts.<br />
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This post was rather long and I didn't include any pretty pictures. Those of you who stuck to the end of this, I thank you. I am not a FOW expert. I'm not a skilled FOW player. I doubt I'll play in a Nationals event.
What I am is someone who likes the look of a good looking tank, on a good looking table, standing / sitting across from a similarly minded bloke while we send our steel chariots across the table to blow one another up. I'm also the sort to do these mental-exercises in written form to help me design and think about lists I'd like to see on my tabletop.<br />
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Version 3 has only been out a few months. There are still kinks and rules getting ironed out and better defined (or exploited). However, by looking at recent Nationals result, a trend is developing. The tournament players are going to be the first to adapt to the new dynamic. I don't know if Trained Panthers are going to be the new "Black" for FOW Germans. Maybe the CV Panther becomes a key supporting unit for a mech list.
I don't know. I hope that maybe this post will spark some good discussion.<br />
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Thanks again for reading.robinochttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01105774418879048742noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7762644163880244028.post-38713213283117252422012-06-26T19:30:00.004-07:002012-06-26T19:30:47.063-07:00WI297 - Devil's Charge Pics<a href="http://s258.photobucket.com/albums/hh244/solomong88/?action=view&current=WI297-1.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i258.photobucket.com/albums/hh244/solomong88/WI297-1.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>
Hey, look, FOW-content on the blog!
I've been waiting for this issue of Wargames Illustrated to arrive and it finally did. Naturally I snapped a few pics. I listened to a recent WWPD episode and Steve mentioned the Normandy building photos being posted paparazzi-style. I'm not sure if he was referencing this blog, but hey, I like paparazzi-style and I don't have a photo studio so here's more pics!
Click to View
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<b>In Magazine Advert and Description</b>
<a href="http://s258.photobucket.com/albums/hh244/solomong88/?action=view&current=WI297-2.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i258.photobucket.com/albums/hh244/solomong88/WI297-2.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>
<a href="http://s258.photobucket.com/albums/hh244/solomong88/?action=view&current=WI297-3.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i258.photobucket.com/albums/hh244/solomong88/WI297-3.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>
<a href="http://s258.photobucket.com/albums/hh244/solomong88/?action=view&current=WI297-4.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i258.photobucket.com/albums/hh244/solomong88/WI297-4.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>
<a href="http://s258.photobucket.com/albums/hh244/solomong88/?action=view&current=WI297-5.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i258.photobucket.com/albums/hh244/solomong88/WI297-5.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>
<b>There's a large battle report. On the assumption the point values are going to be the same as in DC, here are pics of those units.</b>
<a href="http://s258.photobucket.com/albums/hh244/solomong88/?action=view&current=WI297-6.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i258.photobucket.com/albums/hh244/solomong88/WI297-6.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>
<a href="http://s258.photobucket.com/albums/hh244/solomong88/?action=view&current=WI297-7.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i258.photobucket.com/albums/hh244/solomong88/WI297-7.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>
<b>Allied</b>
<a href="http://s258.photobucket.com/albums/hh244/solomong88/?action=view&current=WI297-8.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i258.photobucket.com/albums/hh244/solomong88/WI297-8.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>
<a href="http://s258.photobucket.com/albums/hh244/solomong88/?action=view&current=WI207-9.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i258.photobucket.com/albums/hh244/solomong88/WI207-9.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>
<a href="http://s258.photobucket.com/albums/hh244/solomong88/?action=view&current=WI297-10.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i258.photobucket.com/albums/hh244/solomong88/WI297-10.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>
<a href="http://s258.photobucket.com/albums/hh244/solomong88/?action=view&current=WI297-11.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i258.photobucket.com/albums/hh244/solomong88/WI297-11.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>robinochttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01105774418879048742noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7762644163880244028.post-91858335492791077522012-06-25T22:17:00.002-07:002012-06-25T22:17:59.312-07:00Diablo 3: Entitlement<a href="http://s258.photobucket.com/albums/hh244/solomong88/Diablo%20Pics/?action=view&current=Entitled.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i258.photobucket.com/albums/hh244/solomong88/Diablo%20Pics/Entitled.jpg" /></a>
I've been thoroughly enjoying myself re-acquainting myself with the world of Diablo this past week. My friend's DH and my Barbarian completed Act I Normal last night. It was an enjoyable Boss Fight versus the Butcher (have nice screenshots) and a good conclusion to Act I. The cut-screen is one of the best done by Blizzard and I'll definitely watch it again before I play next.
But that's not what this post is about. I've been lurking on the Diablo 3 forums for awhile, more out of amusement than trying to glean any useful information about Barbarian tactics. The amount of pettiness and vitriol is shocking. I realize I don't fit the typical age / maturity demographic of the typical poster on these forums. I realize that 90% of lurkers don't post on any forums. I realize this little sermon I'm posting won't do anything to reduce the amount of trolls on that forum, the FOW forum, or any forum.
Still, I want to get my two cents in on this little slice of the Internets.
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What bothers me is the sense of entitlement many of the posters exhibit.
I tried to go into the D3 Forum to find a few quotes, but the topics move so fast, that by the time I'm done scanning one topic on Page 1, it'll be on Page 4 (this happened). So I'll paraphrase some of the comments about entitlement:<br />
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<ul>
<li><i>I've farmed (insert favorite Inferno Act and farm spot) for the past X hours and only found 3 crap rares!</i></li>
<li><i>I can't get past (insert favorite Inferno Act and farm spot) and it's been 3 days! </i></li>
<li><i>Killing Diablo in Inferno is hard/easy!</i>
<a href="http://s258.photobucket.com/albums/hh244/solomong88/Diablo%20Pics/?action=view&current=minionwhaat.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i258.photobucket.com/albums/hh244/solomong88/Diablo%20Pics/minionwhaat.jpg" /></a></li>
</ul>
Look, ranting-raving-forum-type-peoples. You aren't entitled to amazing, god-like items on your timetable. The beauty of the Diablo series is waiting for that drop (usually gold colored to represent a unique and now legendary item) after a hard fight, or just slugging a random barrel or opening a chest. To think that if you do X runs in Y amount of hours will net you the desired item is foolish. If such was the case, all those Lotto players would be winning more often.
Now I'm not going to argue about the quality and type of item drops (that's another post) as there are legitimate concerns. What I want to point out is that I find the current crop of video gamers to be very ADD. They've become accustomed to playing an Xbox or PS3 game for 60+hours, solve it and then move onto the next game release.
Those console games can cost $70+ and be solved quickly and yet the current crop of Diablo players feel that after 5 weeks, the game isn't fulfilling and it owes them.
Sorry guys/gals. Diablo 2 didn't become the Diablo 2 until the Lord of Destruction expansion came out. It tidied up D2, expanded on the items, added 2 new characters, a new act and more items.
Be patient. Like many, I don't agree with several of the D3 design decisions such as no public game lobby, elite items are underwhelming, and lack of low-level and mid-level sets (green items), and bugs that could have been discovered in beta.
However, I'm confident D3 will be tweaked further. It might take months or even another expansion - come on, like the level 60 cap wasn't a give away to their plan to release more D3 content. I'll be patient. I'll methodically smash my way through Normal, than Nightmare and then into Hell and Inferno.
I paid my $60. Blizzard doesn't owe me anything beyond keeping the D3 servers up. If I find D3 boring, I'll leave.
Peace.robinochttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01105774418879048742noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7762644163880244028.post-77278605591337292692012-06-18T22:42:00.001-07:002012-06-18T22:42:48.214-07:00Gone Fishin'....<a href="http://s258.photobucket.com/albums/hh244/solomong88/?action=view&current=Diablo_III_cover.png" target="_blank"><img src="http://i258.photobucket.com/albums/hh244/solomong88/Diablo_III_cover.png" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>
It's been 12+ years. The wait was long. It was worth it...and I've been playing Diablo 2.5 for a couple of weeks now.
More tank posts in the future...robinochttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01105774418879048742noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7762644163880244028.post-1088936127514752182012-05-27T22:12:00.002-07:002012-05-27T22:12:41.863-07:00ROEN911 Art<a href="http://s258.photobucket.com/albums/hh244/solomong88/?action=view&current=ROEN911_SU100.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i258.photobucket.com/albums/hh244/solomong88/ROEN911_SU100.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>
ROEN911 has done it again with a very nice rendition of an SU-100.
This time he has previewed the box art for <a href="http://www.deepsilver.com/en/game-view/view/game/access16/iron-front/">Iron Front Liberation 1944</a>.
Direct link to the full sized picture <a href="http://roen911.deviantart.com/#/d51beza">here</a>.robinochttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01105774418879048742noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7762644163880244028.post-2647387129829908632012-05-22T20:00:00.001-07:002012-05-22T20:00:21.512-07:00WI296 - New Buildings<a href="http://s258.photobucket.com/albums/hh244/solomong88/?action=view&current=WI296-01.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i258.photobucket.com/albums/hh244/solomong88/WI296-01.jpg" /></a>
WI 296 fell on the doorstep today. I think it was actually on time this month. Usually, there's a one to two week lag.
Anyway, the FOW content in this issue deals with creating a Tank Destroyer company and painting up the M18 Hellcat and M36 Jackson. Not my cup of tea.
If you recall a few months back during the release of Version 3, John-Paul gave a video presentation and hinted that a new building would be released every month. Well, I think we'll be seeing this promise come to fruition in the summer.
<a href="http://s258.photobucket.com/albums/hh244/solomong88/?action=view&current=WI296-02.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i258.photobucket.com/albums/hh244/solomong88/WI296-02.jpg" /></a>
I'm hoping they'll add to the Russian houses in the coming months.
The back page of this issue will focus on The Devil's Charge.
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It's the July issue and I'll assume that DC will be released in August - the month when EW Barbarossa was supposed to happen until it was bumped back to 2013. Here's what I think, we're going to get all 3 Battle of the Bulge books this year. BGG was released in April. DC is going to happen in August. If we follow the natural progression of a 4-month gap, then the 3rd and final Bulge book will be in December to time it with Bastogne? Just a guess.
I hope EW Russia was pulled so BF could take more time to playtest the rules (hahahahaha) or to allow production of the new models. Hopefully some of the new models will be plastic (BT-7, cough, cough).
Anyway, enjoy the sneak peak.
BTW, the re-up subscription ad in the magazine brought back the boxes (Panzer Kanone, Wittman, Churchill Squadron, etc).robinochttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01105774418879048742noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7762644163880244028.post-38653131798681287142012-05-15T21:40:00.001-07:002012-05-15T21:40:35.097-07:00Terrainguy Mat<a href="http://s258.photobucket.com/albums/hh244/solomong88/?action=view&current=TerrainMat04.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i258.photobucket.com/albums/hh244/solomong88/TerrainMat04.jpg" /></a>
Many of you may have noticed a lack of AAR's and modeling. Let's just say that my wargaming time has been drastically reduced with family commitments. I haven't heard from my regular opponent in over 3 months, so I'm not sure if he's become very busy or he's just tired of beating me over the head and wants a different opponent.
Right now it's difficult for me to venture out to the LGS or the monthly gaming day at the Knights of Columbus Hall. I do, however, have a very nice garage where two tables can be set up easily to run games. If I can't go to the players, I'll invite them over for a game, or bribe them with BBQ and drinks.
If I was going to have people over, I needed more than food and drink. I needed terrain.
Enter, the Postman delivering this today in a tube box.
After a recommendation from the WWPD forum, I purchased a green-brown mat from the <a href="http://theterrainguy.com/gamemats.html">terrainguy</a>. The mat is canvas based and rubber coated.
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As you can see in the next picture...
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...it unrolls with very little creases even after being rolled around a PCP pipe and shipped in a long box. The flocking is embedded in the rubber and for the most part I didn't feel any of the flocking coming off. There were a few small particles, but that's to be expected.
A close up of the mat.
<a href="http://s258.photobucket.com/albums/hh244/solomong88/?action=view&current=TerrainMat02.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i258.photobucket.com/albums/hh244/solomong88/TerrainMat02.jpg" /></a>
I have another order coming soon. I'm excited to see how everything will look when it all comes together!robinochttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01105774418879048742noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7762644163880244028.post-58352660444984649202012-04-28T22:07:00.000-07:002012-04-28T22:30:02.340-07:00Panzer Brigade - East<a href="http://s258.photobucket.com/albums/hh244/solomong88/?action=view&current=WI295-Article.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i258.photobucket.com/albums/hh244/solomong88/WI295-Article.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>
Wargames Illustrated #295 arrived at the door step today. Participants returning from the LW Nationals at Adepticon <a href="http://www.flamesofwar.com/Default.aspx?tabid=126&aff=6&aft=541800&afv=topic">posted</a> about Org Charts for the Panzer Brigades that went East.
I snapped a few pics of the two Panzer Brigade Org Charts in the magazine.
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<b>Panzerkompanie Org Chart</b>
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<b>HQ and Combat Platoon costs of the Panzerkompanie</b>
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<b>AA Costs</b>
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<b>Panzergrenadier</b>
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<b>Combat Platoons</b>
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<b>Close Up of Support Options</b>
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<b>PzGr HQ</b>
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<b>PzGr Combat Platoons</b>
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<b>Verband</b>
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<b>Prinz Eugen</b>
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<b>Funky SS-Panzer Platoon</b>
<a href="http://s258.photobucket.com/albums/hh244/solomong88/?action=view&current=WI295-11.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i258.photobucket.com/albums/hh244/solomong88/WI295-11.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>robinochttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01105774418879048742noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7762644163880244028.post-17357668021289749702012-04-27T21:36:00.001-07:002012-04-27T21:36:28.342-07:00WiP - Emchas<a href="http://s258.photobucket.com/albums/hh244/solomong88/?action=view&current=js800_IMG_0801.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i258.photobucket.com/albums/hh244/solomong88/js800_IMG_0801.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>
This week I received an e-mail from my buddy Carlos of <a href="http://www.sentinelminiaturepainting.net/Pages/default.aspx">Sentinel Miniature Painting</a>. As you can see, he's swamped in Sherman tanks. Now, if I was completely twisted, I'd threaten Carlos with a new BG&G army and have him do more Shermans! Actually, these vehicles are from the Death on the Plains deal Battlefront put out when Stalin's Europe was released.
Anyway, here's a sneak preview of what will be hitting the table soon. Carlos needs to replicate the aerial markings on the rest of the vehicles, decals and drybrush.
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Here's part of the M5's for the Rota Platoon.
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They are looking great, Carlos!robinochttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01105774418879048742noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7762644163880244028.post-51778494360630459922012-04-16T20:11:00.010-07:002012-04-28T22:07:33.229-07:00BG&G - The Panzer Brigades<a href="http://s258.photobucket.com/albums/hh244/solomong88/?action=view&current=FW220.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i258.photobucket.com/albums/hh244/solomong88/FW220.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" /></a><br /><br />I picked up my copy of BG&G at the LGS on Saturday and promptly devoured it from end to end. The purpose of this post isn't to do a blow by blow review of the new source book. Stevie Mac and the boys at WWPD have already done a great <a href="http://www.wwpd.net/2012/04/blood-guts-glory-reviewed.html">review</a> of it.<br /><br />Normally I'd steer clear of a book focusing on the Western Front. However, there are a couple of things in the book that compelled me to make the purchase...<br /><br /><br /><a href="http://s258.photobucket.com/albums/hh244/solomong88/?action=view&current=GBX66.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i258.photobucket.com/albums/hh244/solomong88/GBX66.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" /></a><br /><br />As Sinsynn would say..."<span style="font-style:italic;">Yeah, him.</span>". Behold the beautiful, stylish and chin mantlet-liscious Panther Ausf G (late). It's one of the first tank models I ever made and it's held a special place in my heart ever since. When it was clear that this tank was going to be in BG&G, I knew I had to get my greedy paws on it.<br /><br /><a name='more'></a><br /><br />Now that I've done cleaning up after myself, let me speak of the two German armored lists which can field this magnificent beast.<br /><br />First up...<br /><br /><a href="http://s258.photobucket.com/albums/hh244/solomong88/?action=view&current=FHHPanzerkompanie.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i258.photobucket.com/albums/hh244/solomong88/FHHPanzerkompanie.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" /></a><br /><br />I posted the TO&E for the FHH Panzerkompanie because the "regular" Panzerkompanie shares the same framework. The major difference between the FHH Panzerkompanie and the other PzKp is due to this other big beast...<br /><br /><a href="http://s258.photobucket.com/albums/hh244/solomong88/?action=view&current=GBX67.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i258.photobucket.com/albums/hh244/solomong88/GBX67.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" /></a><br /><br />Nice! No zimmerit either! I hate zimmerit. It's an abomination and a spawn of all the worlds evils. Perhaps I'm over exaggerating, but I'm still traumatized by a model in my youth that was covered with the stuff.<br /><br />The FHH gets the Panzer IV L(70), while the Panzerkompanie gets Panzer IV J's and StuGs. The Panzerkompanie seems to be a better choice for me because of the Panzer IV J. I can proxy the Panzer IV J to be an Panzer IV H in the Grey Wolf list I'll be making (ditto the Panthers). The Panzer L (70) is very cool looking and a menacing machine of destruction, but I don't want to own 10 Panzer IV H's and 10 Panzer IV J's. Heresy, I know.<br /><br />Now with list compatibility paramount in my design, I can do a couple of things.<br /><br />Panther Heavy List<br /><br />2x Panther 260<br />4x Panther 520<br />4x Panther 520<br />4x Panzer IVJ 240<br />3x Wirbel 110<br /><br />10 Panthers for 1,650 points!<br /><br />Panzer IV J List<br /><br />2x Panzer IV J 120<br />4x Panzer IV J 240<br />4x Panther 520<br />4x Panther 520<br />4x Wirbelwind 150<br /><br />6 Panzer IV J, and 8 Panthers for 1,550 points. It's the best option if I want to use the most Panzer IV's in conjunction with the Panthers.<br /><br />I've noticed it's tough to get to the point levels of tournaments like 1,575, 1,625 and 1,750. There aren't no upgrade options with the panzer platoons. They are what they are.<br /><br />I think platoons of 4 tanks have more staying power than 3-tank platoons, especially with the Trained rating. Having that extra "live" tank may make a huge difference when calculating when it's time to check morale.<br /><br />The last 40 pages of BG&G is Tank Aces. A journey through 500, 700 and 900 point levels. The included map is very cool, along with the "character sheet" where you can track the progress of your Tank Ace (including notching up kill rings on the sheet). I'll definitely use Tank Aces for MW and LW Eastern Front battles.<br /><br />BG&G has something that should appeal to everyone, not just American players. Have a look at your LGS. I doubt you'll be disappointed. The graphic layout and production style that started with Version 3 continues in BG&G. Pictures and diagrams explain all the new special rules. Great work, BF. It was $$ well spent for me.robinochttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01105774418879048742noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7762644163880244028.post-14019534890246789862012-04-13T22:43:00.002-07:002012-04-13T22:45:43.677-07:00PSC - M4A3 (late)<a href="http://s258.photobucket.com/albums/hh244/solomong88/?action=view&current=PSCM4A3.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i258.photobucket.com/albums/hh244/solomong88/PSCM4A3.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />I wandered around the PSC site, but they didn't have any previews of the sprue, nor this picture apparently.<br /><br />TMP states: "15mm Sherman M4A3 (Late): Five tanks in a box for £17.50 GBP; each sprue gives options to build either 75mm, 76mm or 105mm versions, and comes with a commander figure"<br /><br />BG&G was released at the LGS today. I wasn't able to make it out there, but my copy is reserved along with the 10% discount. Thanks, John!robinochttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01105774418879048742noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7762644163880244028.post-68780604340102436892012-04-10T21:44:00.003-07:002012-04-10T21:52:54.684-07:00PSC - Ups Release of Yanks<a href="http://s258.photobucket.com/albums/hh244/solomong88/?action=view&current=PSCLWGerInfHvyWpns.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i258.photobucket.com/albums/hh244/solomong88/PSCLWGerInfHvyWpns.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />PSC's latest update for 4/10/12.<br /><br /><span style="font-style:italic;">Four x tripod MG42s, four x 82mm mortar teams, four x 120mm mortar teams, eight x panzerschrecks, eight x panzerfausts; 60 figures and twelve models for £16.50.</span><br /><br />What's more interesting is this blurb from the PSC website.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">May/June/July will also see a change in the release schedule. Due to popular demand the Stars and Stripes will be fluttering above PSC HQ - the Yanks have been bumped up the list! 15mm Sherman M4A3 (late), 15mm US Infantry, 15mm Sherman M4A3E8 Easy Eight and 15mm US heavy weapons will all be appearing. 15mm M3 halftracks, tank destroyers and Priests will not be far behind.</span><br /><br />Odd timing. BG&G hits the stores this Friday (according to two LGS I called today). BF's new Shermans come out in May. Look, PSC is coming out with the same American tanks at the same time! Interesting....<br /><br />All I can say it's a great time to be a 15mm wargammer. There are multiple rulesets to try, several miniature manufacturers, paint suppliers, books, Google, etc, etc.robinochttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01105774418879048742noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7762644163880244028.post-75384775260242229862012-03-21T19:23:00.004-07:002012-04-28T22:07:59.257-07:00WI294 - Pics of BG&G Lists from Battlefront Team<a href="http://s258.photobucket.com/albums/hh244/solomong88/?action=view&current=WI294-cover.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i258.photobucket.com/albums/hh244/solomong88/WI294-cover.jpg" /></a><br />
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The Mailman dropped WI294 on the doorstep today. Huzzah!<br />
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I knew from reading the WWPD forums there were going to be sample lists created by the Blood, Guts & Glory design team (aka Phil, Wayne, Mike, etc) along with Stevie Mac of the WWPD.<br />
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I snapped photos of the lists as well as the new Triple AA vehicle the Germans get.<br />
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I would have liked to see pictures of the non-zimmerit Panthers and also word if they were Panther G (late's) with the chin mantlet. Alas, they might make an appearance in the 2nd Bulge book. <br />
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Click below.<br />
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<a href="http://s258.photobucket.com/albums/hh244/solomong88/?action=view&current=WI294-Phil.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i258.photobucket.com/albums/hh244/solomong88/WI294-Phil.jpg" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://s258.photobucket.com/albums/hh244/solomong88/?action=view&current=WI294-Mike.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i258.photobucket.com/albums/hh244/solomong88/WI294-Mike.jpg" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://s258.photobucket.com/albums/hh244/solomong88/?action=view&current=WI294-Steve.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i258.photobucket.com/albums/hh244/solomong88/WI294-Steve.jpg" /></a>robinochttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01105774418879048742noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7762644163880244028.post-35501956698100758662012-03-18T20:19:00.002-07:002012-05-27T22:13:22.561-07:00ROEN911 - Composite Art<a href="http://s258.photobucket.com/albums/hh244/solomong88/?action=view&current=waitingfororders.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i258.photobucket.com/albums/hh244/solomong88/waitingfororders.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br /><span style="font-style:italic;">Waiting for Orders...<span style="font-weight:bold;"></span></span><br /><br />Over at SimHq, ROEN911 has been posting his composite artwork for quite awhile. He takes screenshots from various flight simulators and it looks like he's branched into armored warfare. The picture above is his first.<br /><br />You can find the original version <a href="http://roen911.deviantart.com/#/d4sr985">here</a>. You'll also be able to access his other artwork and see the wonderful work he has done.<br /><br />I first became familiar with ROEN911 when I was playing IL-2 Sturmovik:Forgotten Battles. He did many aircraft 'skins' that I promptly downloaded and added to the game to enhance the immersion of the game.<br /><br />Enjoy.robinochttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01105774418879048742noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7762644163880244028.post-51435617535669369062012-03-01T22:38:00.003-08:002012-03-01T22:49:23.988-08:00Leninade - A Taste to Stand in Line for<a href="http://s258.photobucket.com/albums/hh244/solomong88/?action=view&current=Leninade-01.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i258.photobucket.com/albums/hh244/solomong88/Leninade-01.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />Today I needed caffeine and went to buy a diet soda. I made my purchase and then saw the bottle above.<br /><br />How cool is this! Next time my Emchas hit the table, I'll be drinking it.<br /><br />The Internets says Leninade is a pink lemonade. I wouldn't know because I haven't opened the bottle and it's still sitting on my desk at work.<br /><br /><a href="http://s258.photobucket.com/albums/hh244/solomong88/?action=view&current=Leninade-03.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i258.photobucket.com/albums/hh244/solomong88/Leninade-03.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://s258.photobucket.com/albums/hh244/solomong88/?action=view&current=Leninade-02.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i258.photobucket.com/albums/hh244/solomong88/Leninade-02.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />Whomever came up with this idea better have received a huge bonus. I love the Hammer and Sickle tagline. I was laughing all afternoon, which earned me several curious looks from co-workers.<br /><br />Sorry for the tilted photos. I'm not sure why photobucket is being weird.robinochttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01105774418879048742noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7762644163880244028.post-3874155930810821152012-02-24T23:01:00.002-08:002012-04-28T22:08:17.160-07:00Cover art of Wargames Illustrated 294<a href="http://s258.photobucket.com/albums/hh244/solomong88/?action=view&current=WI294-1.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i258.photobucket.com/albums/hh244/solomong88/WI294-1.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />Inside the back cover of Wargames Illustrated #293, is the preview for issue 294. The issue is scheduled for release in late March and will have the April release schedule for Battlefront.<br /><br />Judging by the cover art and the teaser text next to it...<br /><br /><a href="http://s258.photobucket.com/albums/hh244/solomong88/?action=view&current=WI294-2.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i258.photobucket.com/albums/hh244/solomong88/WI294-2.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />It would seem the first book for the Battle of the Bulge series will focus on the Lorraine campaign.<br /><br />The long wait (4+ years) is over. The Battle of the Bulge is here.robinochttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01105774418879048742noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7762644163880244028.post-21655543547508665772012-02-16T22:32:00.000-08:002012-02-16T22:42:02.333-08:00V3 Mini-Book Spiralbound<a href="http://s258.photobucket.com/albums/hh244/solomong88/?action=view&current=V3SpiralBook01.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i258.photobucket.com/albums/hh244/solomong88/V3SpiralBook01.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br /><br />I took the V3 small rulebook to FedEx/Kinkos this weekend. This was after listening to the WWPD podcast and Luke's V3 mini-book falling apart on the air and the thread on the FOW board about pages falling out on the first day.<br /><br />I had the front and back covers laminated. The lamination is 5mm. Ask the Tech to see if you prefer 5mm or 10mm (thicker). I wanted 10mm, but they were out. I liked the way the 5mm worked out.<br /><br />The spiral binding is plastic; apparently metal spiral binding wasn't an option at this FedEx/Kinkos.<br /><br />Finally, I had the V3 Quick Ref printed front/back to cardstock and laminated.<br /><br />Total cost was $14, with the bulk of the cost coming from the color copy of the Quick Reference Sheet and laminating the front and back covers and the Quick Ref sheet.<br /><br />Well worth it. Even though your V3 book isn't showing signs of pages falling out, don't take the chance.<br /><br />A fellow on the boards suggested pulling the mission section out and laminating and binding them separately. A good suggestion. I'm not sure I would do it, but since the missions are going to be looked at for every game, it might reduce the wear and tear on the entire book.<br /><br />Anywho...I wanted to share the pics and encourage people to spiral bind the V3 mini-book before the pages fall out.<br /><br /><br /><a href="http://s258.photobucket.com/albums/hh244/solomong88/?action=view&current=V3SpiralBook02.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i258.photobucket.com/albums/hh244/solomong88/V3SpiralBook02.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://s258.photobucket.com/albums/hh244/solomong88/?action=view&current=V3SpiralBook03.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i258.photobucket.com/albums/hh244/solomong88/V3SpiralBook03.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://s258.photobucket.com/albums/hh244/solomong88/?action=view&current=V3SpiralBook04.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i258.photobucket.com/albums/hh244/solomong88/V3SpiralBook04.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://s258.photobucket.com/albums/hh244/solomong88/?action=view&current=LaminateQuickRef.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i258.photobucket.com/albums/hh244/solomong88/LaminateQuickRef.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>robinochttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01105774418879048742noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7762644163880244028.post-3684674288406276442012-02-11T11:29:00.000-08:002012-02-11T11:32:44.219-08:00Easy Army - Grey Wolf<a href="http://s258.photobucket.com/albums/hh244/solomong88/?action=view&current=easyarmy.png" target="_blank"><img src="http://i258.photobucket.com/albums/hh244/solomong88/easyarmy.png" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://s258.photobucket.com/albums/hh244/solomong88/?action=view&current=GreyWolf.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i258.photobucket.com/albums/hh244/solomong88/GreyWolf.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br /><br />Gregg and Neal and the rest of the Easy Army team just announced they are starting lists from Grey Wolf.<br /><br />I implore anybody who plays this great game called FOW to visit the Easyarmy.com website and take advantage of this great utility. Many of the lists are free and to gain access to lists in several of the big books, it only costs $1 to $2. This value is immense.<br /><br />Thanks Easy Army!robinochttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01105774418879048742noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7762644163880244028.post-2533190810887657052012-02-05T09:33:00.000-08:002012-02-05T10:03:40.140-08:00Comrade Emcha<a href="http://s258.photobucket.com/albums/hh244/solomong88/?action=view&current=ComradeEmcha.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i258.photobucket.com/albums/hh244/solomong88/ComradeEmcha.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br /><br />While doing research for my Emchas, I stumbled across the above image. Whoa! A book about Russian Shermans? The book contains color plates? Sign me up! I first noticed the image in October and it's release date was supposed to be December, so I thought I had one item for a X-mas list.<br /><br /><a name='more'></a><br /><br />Well it didn't come out in X-mas and the Oliver Publishing website didn't even list the book. Could it be the book went into immediate "vaporware" status?<br /><br />Alas, I found it on <a href="http://www.dragonusaonline.com/item_detail.aspx?ItemCode=FPB65937">DragonUSAonline</a>. Staying true to the Impulse Buyers Handbook, I added it to my cart, saw the price, didn't care, and ordered it.<br /><br />It arrives in less than a week. Hmmmm...the packing envelope is thin. Whoa, it's even thinner when the cardboard protective packaging is removed. Wow! It's 35 pages and the paper is really thin! Careful! Careful!<br /><br />Yep, the book clocks in at 35 pages. I paid $35. $1/page. Not the best page to cost ratio in the world.<br /><br />Also, it's not a book. It's filled with photos and the center has 6 pages of color plates.<br /><br />I love this book!<br /><br />I hadn't seen many of the photos before and they are well researched because each photos has a paragraph of information underneath it which details the unit, the probable location of the photos and comments on the markings or other points of interest on the depicted Emcha.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Color Plate Sample</span><br /><a href="http://s258.photobucket.com/albums/hh244/solomong88/?action=view&current=Emcha_-03.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i258.photobucket.com/albums/hh244/solomong88/Emcha_-03.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">A TO&E Chart for the 1st Guards Mech Corps</span><br /><a href="http://s258.photobucket.com/albums/hh244/solomong88/?action=view&current=Emcha_-02.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i258.photobucket.com/albums/hh244/solomong88/Emcha_-02.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br /><br />I happy with the book. I've gone through it four times and still learning new things about the Emcha in Russian service. If you're a Lend Lease tankovy player, this is a great book for you.robinochttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01105774418879048742noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7762644163880244028.post-50062463325619447042012-01-25T21:05:00.001-08:002012-04-28T22:49:42.395-07:00FOW 3.0 photos from WI292<a href="http://s258.photobucket.com/albums/hh244/solomong88/?action=view&current=ThirdEdition01.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i258.photobucket.com/albums/hh244/solomong88/ThirdEdition01.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />WI 292 arrived in the mail yesterday. I snapped photos of some of the pages that caught my attention.<br /><br />Here's the breakdown of the 3 books.<br /><br /><a href="http://s258.photobucket.com/albums/hh244/solomong88/?action=view&current=ThirdEdition02.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i258.photobucket.com/albums/hh244/solomong88/ThirdEdition02.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />What snippets they showed of the 13 lists leaves me to believe they are very rudimentary and scaled down FE2 lists with much reduced support options. It's hard to though.<br /><br />It also get the impression the small rule book will be Core only, with no Hobby or Lists included.<br /><br />Click below to see more pics of the rules and diagrams. <br /><br /><a name='more'></a><br /><br /><a href="http://s258.photobucket.com/albums/hh244/solomong88/?action=view&current=ThirdEdition03.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i258.photobucket.com/albums/hh244/solomong88/ThirdEdition03.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://s258.photobucket.com/albums/hh244/solomong88/?action=view&current=ThirdEdition04.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i258.photobucket.com/albums/hh244/solomong88/ThirdEdition04.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://s258.photobucket.com/albums/hh244/solomong88/?action=view&current=ThirdEdition05.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i258.photobucket.com/albums/hh244/solomong88/ThirdEdition05.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://s258.photobucket.com/albums/hh244/solomong88/?action=view&current=ThirdEdition06.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i258.photobucket.com/albums/hh244/solomong88/ThirdEdition06.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://s258.photobucket.com/albums/hh244/solomong88/?action=view&current=ThirdEdition07.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i258.photobucket.com/albums/hh244/solomong88/ThirdEdition07.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br /><a href="http://s258.photobucket.com/albums/hh244/solomong88/?action=view&current=ThirdEdition08.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i258.photobucket.com/albums/hh244/solomong88/ThirdEdition08.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>robinochttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01105774418879048742noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7762644163880244028.post-66377255279207776672012-01-20T23:00:00.000-08:002012-01-20T23:06:13.564-08:00Greatest Tank Battles II<a href="http://s258.photobucket.com/albums/hh244/solomong88/?action=view&current=imagesCAGI9L1E.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i258.photobucket.com/albums/hh244/solomong88/imagesCAGI9L1E.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />New episodes began airing this month. Nobody told me!<br /><br />Keep in mind that "new" means shows produced in 2011 are finally being shown on The Military Channel. I already missed the Battle of Stalingrad that aired a couple of weeks ago and another episode on the Six Day War.<br /><br />This Wednesday the Battle of Tunisia is up, with Tank Battles of Korea and the Battle of France scheduled for Saturday (1/28).<br /><br />Check your local listings if you're a fan of the show.robinochttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01105774418879048742noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7762644163880244028.post-89832080501442176732012-01-15T22:04:00.003-08:002012-01-15T22:19:41.041-08:00Plastic Soldier Company 15mm Panthers<a href="http://s258.photobucket.com/albums/hh244/solomong88/?action=view&current=PSC_15mm_Panther_400.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i258.photobucket.com/albums/hh244/solomong88/PSC_15mm_Panther_400.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br /><br />PSC updated their <a href="http://theplasticsoldiercompany.co.uk/">site</a> and the long awaited and hoped for <a href="http://theplasticsoldiercompany.co.uk/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=1_22_24_50&products_id=247&zenid=48720899320050db232f4b56a86ddd9d">Panther</a> will be here very soon. <br /><br />The price is quoted at £17.95, which equates to almost $27.50 before shipping. Depending on where you buy your PSC goods, you're probaby looking at roughly $6.50 per tank. In case you're keeping score that's half the price of a Battlefront Panther.<br /><br />What I particularly like is the late G model with the chin mantlet. It's my favorite version of the Panther.<br /><br />I can't tell though if the hull and turret are sculpted with zimmerit paste. The assembly instructions below don't hint at zimmerit, though the box art does show the paste. Wait and see, I guess.<br /><br />I'm really curious how BF is going to respond to PSC plastic kits that are roughly half the price of bisters and also Zvezda with their line of snap-together Barbarossa kits. Otherwise, a big chunk of their sales is going to further erode. If a newbie came to me about FOW, I'd point them to PSC where he can get his basic Sherman, half-tracks, T-34's, Panzer IV, Panther and you know PSC is going to do Tigers and other of the more commonly used WWII vehicles.<br /><br />Anywho, I'm very excited to see this update. There's already 16 responses on the WWPD forum.<br /><br />In other news, I played two games yesterday! The mind boggles. I actually won one of them! Inconceivable. AAR's to be posted once I sort through 70+ pics. I think I'll try StevieMac's Batrepper.<br /><br />PSC Panther assembly guide below---<br /><br /><a href="http://s258.photobucket.com/albums/hh244/solomong88/?action=view&current=PSC_15mm_Panther_400_02_jpg.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i258.photobucket.com/albums/hh244/solomong88/PSC_15mm_Panther_400_02_jpg.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>robinochttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01105774418879048742noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7762644163880244028.post-7429729697093971012012-01-10T21:30:00.000-08:002012-01-10T22:40:39.633-08:00Bring on the Bad Guys...<a href="http://s258.photobucket.com/albums/hh244/solomong88/?action=view&current=badguys.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i258.photobucket.com/albums/hh244/solomong88/badguys.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />I've been on a Black Library tear lately. I find myself drawn to stories that give more detail and background about the villains in the 40K universe. i want to know about their motivations. I want to see that they are more than cardboard characters who curse and rage at the world and only serve to show how awesome and righteous the "good guys" are in the story.<br /><br />This isn't a book review post. I'm not going to talk about the plots in any of the books. I want to talk about the villains.<br /><br /><a href="http://s258.photobucket.com/albums/hh244/solomong88/?action=view&current=bloodpact.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i258.photobucket.com/albums/hh244/solomong88/bloodpact.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />I just finished Blood Pact by the best Black Library author, Dan Abnett. It's the first book in Abnett's new story arc about Kommisar Ibrahim Gaunt and his Ghosts. Interestingly enough, I found the latest installment to be boring. The book is really a deadly game of hide-and-seek with a tinge of intrigue thrown in. Forget the intrigue. Anytime a person is revealed to be a bad guy - BLAM! Oh ho, that character is working for his own purposes - BLAM!<br /><br />I wished the Blood Pact could be "fleshed" out more. I wanted to know more about their command structure, their training, how they are chosen, and what life is like serving the Arch Enemy. I know they are an elite squad and the equivalent of the Ghosts.<br /><br />The story was over before their background story. I urge Abnett to forsake the Imperium and write a story about the "other side". He created and added to the 40K universe with his Sabbat World series. He can and could do the same for villains.<br /><br /><a href="http://s258.photobucket.com/albums/hh244/solomong88/?action=view&current=wordbearers.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i258.photobucket.com/albums/hh244/solomong88/wordbearers.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />Okay, I'm about 100 pages into the Omnibus. Thus far the Word Bearers scream and shout and kill. Standard Chaos Space Marine modus operandi. I'm hoping I learn more about their motivations that goes beyond screaming, shouting and killing.<br /><br />Marduk, the Dark Alcolyte, is boring. I like the Dreadnought, the Warmonger. A philosophical dreadnought? Sign me up!<br /><br />There's another 700+ pages left in the omnibus so we'll see how things develop.<br /><br /><a href="http://s258.photobucket.com/albums/hh244/solomong88/?action=view&current=outcastdead.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i258.photobucket.com/albums/hh244/solomong88/outcastdead.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br /><br />This book started s-l-o-w-l-y. I have 200+ pages left and it's the best part of the book. Wanna know why? The bad guys!<br /><br />The bad guys just broke out of that big, prison mountain beneath the palace or near the palace or whatever, I don't know. The Crusader Host - the champions of the various legions. Who do they lock up because Horus went bad? The 1000 Son guy, the 3 Worldeaters (they're crazy and I'd lock them up out of principal too), the Sons of Horus, the Emperor's Children and the guy with the Primarch that begins with M and isn't Magnus.<br /><br />The most interesting of these gents is the 1000 Sons. He's called a warrior-scholar. How cool is that? The escape wouldn't succeed without him. He uses what the miliary would call the "indirect method" to get things done. The raw power of the Worldeaters is important too, but this 1000 Sons character is just great. If a new Chaos SM book is out, I may have to get a look at these guys because of this one character.<br /><br />I know they are all likely to die horrible deaths. Here is to hoping they look cool doing stuff while dying.<br /><br />Until next time...robinochttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01105774418879048742noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7762644163880244028.post-32489075825493212052012-01-05T21:40:00.000-08:002012-01-05T21:43:30.890-08:00Achtung Panzer: Operation Star<iframe width="560" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/GMsONTIbebI" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe><br /><br /><br /><iframe width="560" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/zkufbN-Nlmg" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe><br /><br /><br />This game looks very cool. I like the guys on fire running away from their burning tanks in the second video.robinochttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01105774418879048742noreply@blogger.com1