Friday, January 17, 2020

Bolt Action Tank War Game

Thanks to my buddies showing up today, despite the slim chance of snow, managed to play out a Bolt Action Tank War game. We used the the Bastogne scenario which had a crossroads in the center of the table being the objective. The victory condition having a unit within 3 inches of the center of the crossroads at the end of Turn 6 - and also no enemy units within 3 inches of the same. The victory went to the Germans, as the Americans were overly cautious and failed to move towards the objective in time. I was only able to take a few pictures as I was preoccupied being one of the American players.
Above - the one Panzer IV the Americans were able to take out early in the game. The Germans had one Panther and two Panzer IV's, as well as an Sd.Kfz 251 halftrack. They also had several Fallshirmjager squads and one each Waffen SS and Panzergrenadier squads - and several tank hunter teams as well.
The Americans had three Shermans, one M-10 TD, an M5 Stuart, an M20 Scout Car and a couple of M5 halftracks. For infantry, a couple of 4th AD squads and several 101st squads - all with bazooka teams.
The P-51 failed to make a successful attack on the Germans - but did strafe a Sherman by an inexperienced pilot.
The M20 Scout Car burns after being taken out by the Panther. US infantry taking cover in a wooded area.
 A squad of 101st in heavy cover. They failed to move up close enough to use their bazooka team. Meanwhile a Sherman burns, having been taken out by a Panzer IV.
The surviving Panzer IV moving up to hold the German's left flank. A tank hunter team with Panzerschreck taking cover behind it.
 A Fallshirmjager squad occupying a the ruins of a building near the center of the town.
 The P-51 piloted by Wrongway Feldman about to strafe a friendly Sherman.
The view towards the center of the town early in the game - before the Panzer IV was taken out.
All in all, it was another nice Bolt Action game which allowed us to get more familiar with the rules for armor and aircraft. Thanks for stopping by and wishing you all happy painting and good gaming.

38 comments:

  1. Bastogne and snow; a fitting setting for your a Friday afternoon game. Game looks good. Nice models and terrain. Do you prefer a Bolt Action to Chain of Command?

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    1. I've never played CoC, although one of my buddies who played today does. In fact he gave me a copy of the rules; which I haven't read yet. I like the simplicity of BA. That said there's enough details in BA to keep me interested. Best regards, Dean

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    2. Interesting Dean, I have just received a copy of BA and was thinking of switching from CoC, having played Warlords of Erewhon I like the order mechanism, CoC can be a little challenging when playing experienced players, who play the rules rather than the table.
      Cheers
      Stu

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    3. As I understand CoC being the more "complex" of the two, I am sticking with BA. :)

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    1. Thank you very much, Mike. Warmest regards, Dean

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  3. Dean, you played cool! I like your thumbnails. It is a pity that Mustang could not knock out German tanks

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    1. Thanks, Dmitry. Yes, the Mustang had bad die rolls. Kind regards, Dean

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  4. Great looking game Dean, impressive mix of buildings, vehicles, armies...and pizzas!

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    1. Thank you very much, Phil. Yes it was great using the various vehicles. Warmest regards, Dean

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  5. What better way to spend an afternoon?

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    1. Indeed, Michael. A great time was had by all. Warmest regards, Dean

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  6. Noticing the shortage of pictures I assume the game was really exciting! Am I right?

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    1. We only played 6 turns, but being a player did keep me busy. Best regards, Dean

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  7. Good looking game Dean.....can’t beat a few tanks prowling about on the table !👍

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    1. Thanks, Matt. Yes, the tanks were a nice addition and didn't seem to overwhelm the game. Kindest regards, Dean

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  8. Lovely table and toys on it, I envy you. What do you think of BA tank rules, are they good enough? Have you tried Battlegroup? I think you may like them.

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    1. Thanks, Javier. I don't think I've heard of Battlegroup. I'll have to look them up. Warmest regards, Dean

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    1. Thank you very much, Matt. Best regards, Dean

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    1. Thanks a lot, Christopher. Warmest regards, Dean

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  11. Lovely looking game, nice to see all the tanks out!
    Best Iain

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    1. Thanks, Iain. I did leave out the Tiger. Warm regards, Dean

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  12. Cool game, Dean 8)
    I'm thinking of trying out these rules in the future.

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    1. Thank you very much Denis. They are on the fast play side. My buddy says Chain of Command is a more detailed set. I like simple, fast play rules. Warmest regards, Dean

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  13. Looks like a great game Dean! BA is a fun game.

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    1. Thanks, Nick. They are my first (only?) choice for "modern" skirmish rules. Kindest regards, Dean

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  14. Someone really ought to have a word with that pilot..........

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    1. Lol! Thanks Mike. He actually got shot down by enemy flak after strafing the Sherman. Serves him right. Warm regards, Dean

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    1. Thank you kindly Michal. Warmest regards, Dean

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  16. That looks like my kind of fun, friends, food, beer, and pushing toy soldiers around.

    Cheers
    Kevin

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    1. Thanks, Kevin. Yes, a nice way to spend part of the day - and I didn't have to drive anywhere ;). Kind regards, Dean

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    1. Thanks so much, Sergey. Kindest regards, Dean

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  18. Great looking game and table Dean, an afternoon well spent.

    Cheers, Ross

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    1. Thanks, Ross. I like the relative simplicity and quick play of the rules. Kindest regards, Dean

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