Just got back from a great game day up in Everett, WA at the
Flying Heritage Collection. Which as the name implies means it is more than a museum - as all of the planes and tanks at their museum can actually be flown and driven. Okay, maybe the V2 Rocket and buzz bombs don't, but there's probably a very good reason for this. In fact, the M4 Sherman will be taken out and driven this coming Memorial Day. Well, enough about the collection for now, and on with the game day which was hosted by Paul Hannah. He provided 6 paired DBA armies - all based on historical scenarios and all with great looking troops and terrain. We also have to thank Kevin Smyth, former
NHMGS President, with arranging this venue.
The venue - under the shadow of a V-2 Rocket - about as cool as under the SR-71 at the Museum of Flight (photo courtesy of Rod Fleck).
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| Paul announcing the top three winners - prize support came from the Collection - a very hospitable and generous host to be sure. |
As the tournament set up had players start their first two games on the same board - switching sides after the first game - I ended up playing against Pat L. on the Siege of Rhodes table. I first played the defending Rhodians, which I ended up winning. Pat had a probably as much to do with the win as I did - schooling me as we played along. After switching sides for the next game, I somehow won it for Demetrius.
I didn't fare as well in the next, and final two, games for the Battle of Marathon scenario. Still I had a wonderful time and learned a lot more about the different kinds of troop types. I'm also thinking of incorporating some of the rules into my Imjin War game - particularly the combat resolution.
As I mentioned, the collection includes a fair amount of impressively restored tanks - all of which are taken out and driven from time to time.
And aircraft which are flown occasionally too.
These probably could be flown, but probably best left just for display.
Finally, borrowing my buddy Rod's hat, I tried to reenact the Gran Sasso Raid.
Looks like you had a terrific day of gaming and I appreciate the photos of the military collection. Is that Hetzer behind the 88? If so, it appears smaller than I imagined. Really great stuff! I didn't know you were a DBA gamer.
ReplyDeleteYes, that is a indeed a Hetzer - and next to it (not visible in the photo) is a Kettenkrad - all serviceable and run at times.
DeleteAs far as DBAing - this was actually only my second time playing it, but I've enjoyed all my games.
Warm Regards, Dean
I wish I was there Dean! oh well.... good to see the DBA game boards and figures..
ReplyDeleteyeah that is a Hetzer behind the Flak 88 gun
cheers,
I wish you could've been there too, Phil. I know you would've had a great time. The Collection donated some great prizes too - to the 1st-3rd places. Not me, but we all got in free and were given personal tours - so well worth it. BTW, there is a game day at the Boeing Museum of Flight in either October or November - also free entry for NHMGS participants. Regards, Dean
DeleteNice pictures for a beautiful day in a beautiful place!
ReplyDeleteWhat an excellent venue to game in. The personal tours sound cool, shame they couldn't have given you a spin in one of the AFVs.
ReplyDeleteRegards HGA.
I'm salivating at the pics of the game AND the museum. What a superb venue and what great tables. I love to see games in public places like this. Fun for the players and expose the nongaming world to our hobby.
ReplyDeleteThanks so much for the interest and comments. I should add that one of the NHMGS members, Kevin Smyth, set up this venue as well as the one later in the year at the Museum of Flight. Dean
ReplyDeleteSounds like you had a great time. The Venue was certainly an excellent place!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Simon!
DeleteLooks like a great day was had Dean!
ReplyDeleteChristopher
Great pictures! I'm glad you and the gang had fun and I'm sorry I missed it (I was on duty all weekend though). I'll have to venture up there someday.
ReplyDeleteVery cool venue Dean, thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteWow! What an amazing venue, I'm so impressed with the evident quality of the facility. It must have been a real treat. Good for you!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Gentlemen! Yes, the Collection is immaculately maintained; both the buildings and of course the actual aircraft and vehicles. And they do indeed take the out for runs from time to time. The tour guide told us they even took the Kettenkrad out for a spin before. Best, Dean
ReplyDeleteDean, I noticed on the Bat Cave blog, you mentioned that you were working on a "dumbed down" version of Hail Caesar. Being a dumbed down kind of guy myself, I was wondering if you had reached a point where you might be able to share some of your ideas? Thanks, Bill.
ReplyDeleteSure, Bill. I'm using the rules at Enfilade! I took out Disorder for one, and incorporated some WAB shooting modifiers, as well as the rally test from WAB. I also simplified the Break Test and Blunder tables - only three each - the Break Test results are similar to DBA combat resolution. :)!
DeleteOne helluva venue there, Dean!
ReplyDeleteLooks like you had a great day, aside from when that big guy in camo tried to bundle you into that plane...
Yes, Evan it was a great locale; and all went well enough with the big guy with a saber cut scar on his cheek. :)!
DeleteI'd have such a hard time concentrating on the games with such wonderful surroundings. Great event.
ReplyDelete