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Miniatures Adventure => Colonial Adventures => Topic started by: Mac on January 15, 2018, 03:53:32 AM

Title: Sharp Practice in a confined space
Post by: Mac on January 15, 2018, 03:53:32 AM
My first few games of Sharp Practice left me impressed by the range of rules that covered so much of large skirmish warfare. However me and my gaming friends were also frustrated by the time it took to play a game. We are time poor wargamers.

After much hypothesising we decided to see what a game on a half sized table would feel like.

This 50 point encounter game is set in the Indian Mutiny (First War of Independence) and is on my new 3 x 4 foot table. The Mutineers/Freedom fighters are deploying from Raja's elephant and the top of the picture. The British column is deploying out the wagon on the bottom left.

(https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9OWU_JfL6ys/WlvzOkJA3qI/AAAAAAAACmM/ilGp7ocwcz8m44hUh1XoI272Z3niHAZJACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_6399.JPG)

The game as this table size was a success.

(https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-X6-PcoT3Dnc/Wlv0B0k0P4I/AAAAAAAACms/s8RmyRltLIAVlfOEEwqy48gs-2vDpG5YwCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_6413.JPG)

More on my blog: http://macslittlefriends.blogspot.com.au/2018/01/sharp-practice-in-confined-space.html (http://macslittlefriends.blogspot.com.au/2018/01/sharp-practice-in-confined-space.html)

I will be trying our "Smooth and Rifled" tomorrow with that mercurial being you LAFFers know as "Happy Wanderer", and I think that will be an interesting contrast for the same scale of game
Title: Re: Sharp Practice in a confined space
Post by: Happy Wanderer on January 15, 2018, 04:44:00 AM
Very nice pics Mac.

The smaller table and lower figure count doesn’t seem to have reduced the impact of the figures and new terrrain mat to the eye...less is more!

Nice one😉

Happy W
Title: Re: Sharp Practice in a confined space
Post by: jambo1 on January 15, 2018, 05:51:59 AM
Lovely looking table and figures, smaller table works out well. :)
Title: Re: Sharp Practice in a confined space
Post by: Driscoles on January 15, 2018, 06:30:28 AM
Lovely table with some scenery gimmicks on it and well painted miniatures. Thats the way I like it. Thank you.
Title: Re: Sharp Practice in a confined space
Post by: levied troop on January 15, 2018, 07:00:56 AM
 Very interesting (and beautifully executed).  Did you start with pre-placed deployment points?
Title: Re: Sharp Practice in a confined space
Post by: Captain Blood on January 15, 2018, 07:03:16 AM
Lovely table with some scenery gimmicks on it and well painted miniatures. Thats the way I like it. Thank you.

Me too  :)
Title: Re: Sharp Practice in a confined space
Post by: Mike1879 on January 15, 2018, 09:14:16 AM
Looks mighty fine to me !! Beautiful figures and scenery 👍
Title: Re: Sharp Practice in a confined space
Post by: Jeff965 on January 15, 2018, 09:45:57 AM
Lovely looking game :-*
Title: Re: Sharp Practice in a confined space
Post by: italwars on January 15, 2018, 11:07:42 AM
very nice terrain...what did you as base...a matt? painted towels?
Title: Re: Sharp Practice in a confined space
Post by: Alcide Nikopol on January 15, 2018, 02:17:09 PM
Lovely looking game :-*
+1
Title: Re: Sharp Practice in a confined space
Post by: has.been on January 15, 2018, 03:31:06 PM
I too am a time poor gamer. Skirmish games on a smaller table is a good way to go, and
you have shown an excellent example. Well done sir.
Title: Re: Sharp Practice in a confined space
Post by: Malamute on January 15, 2018, 05:24:16 PM
Great looking game with one of my favourite sets of rules. :)

loving all the small details and even more pleased to see some Boot Hill Miniatures Texians transferred to India. ;) :)
Title: Re: Sharp Practice in a confined space
Post by: WillieB on January 15, 2018, 09:08:15 PM
One of the best game layouts I've seen. Great set of rules  and extremely nice figures being used for a superb set up.  What's not to like? Congrats!
Title: Re: Sharp Practice in a confined space
Post by: Romark on January 15, 2018, 09:25:32 PM
Nice collection and scenery,love it  :-*
Title: Re: Sharp Practice in a confined space
Post by: Traveler Man on January 16, 2018, 12:14:05 AM
Jolly good stuff all round!  :-*
Title: Re: Sharp Practice in a confined space
Post by: sepoy1857 on January 16, 2018, 12:30:18 AM
Looks amazing! VERY nice terrain.
Title: Re: Sharp Practice in a confined space
Post by: custosarmorum on January 18, 2018, 01:04:11 AM
What a lovely game -- well painted miniatures and a lot of nice terrain in a small area!

Does anyone recognize the manufacturer(s) of the "Indigo Planters"?

Thanks!
Title: Re: Sharp Practice in a confined space
Post by: Plynkes on January 18, 2018, 08:11:26 AM
Does anyone recognize the manufacturer(s) of the "Indigo Planters"?

This guy does...

...even more pleased to see some Boot Hill Miniatures Texians transferred to India. ;) :)


The fellow in the airpipe helmet isn't one of their number, though, he comes from an Indian Mutiny range. Not entirely sure which one off the top of my head, though.
Title: Re: Sharp Practice in a confined space
Post by: Romark on January 18, 2018, 08:38:08 AM
[quote author=Plynkes link=topic=106680.msg1330522#msg1330522 date=1516263086


The fellow in the airpipe helmet isn't one of their number, though, he comes from an Indian Mutiny range. Not entirely sure which one off the top of my head, though.

[/quote]

He's from Mutineer Miniatures  :)
Title: Re: Sharp Practice in a confined space
Post by: Goliad on January 18, 2018, 05:20:59 PM
I am interested to know more about how you think the smaller table worked better for SP? Was it just that it was quicker and focused decision making?
Title: Re: Sharp Practice in a confined space
Post by: custosarmorum on January 18, 2018, 10:47:47 PM
Thanks, Plynkes and Romark.  I recognized that most of the British figures and Sepoys were from Mutineer (I have a few of them but have recently picked up a lot more Iron Duke).  It is the chaps in the top hats that interest me...
Title: Re: Sharp Practice in a confined space
Post by: Romark on January 18, 2018, 11:27:55 PM
Thanks, Plynkes and Romark. 
 It is the chaps in the top hats that interest me...
Then you need to check out the excellent Boothill miniatures site and look under Texans,you'll find them all there :)
You could also check out the Empress Miniatures site too and look under the New Zealand War banner,they have pack of militia in civilian clothes and top hats you may also like and be used in Mutiny games :)
Title: Re: Sharp Practice in a confined space
Post by: Marine0846 on January 19, 2018, 04:56:39 PM
Great looking game.
One of my favorite periods to play.
Title: Re: Sharp Practice in a confined space
Post by: custosarmorum on January 20, 2018, 01:51:40 AM
Romark,

Thank you for the reference to Boot Hill miniatures -- I never would have thought to look there.  I have been pondering using some figures from the Maori Wars range... but had overlooked the militia (I was considering some of the sailors but was not expert enough to know if they would work for the Mutiny).

So thanks again!
Title: Re: Sharp Practice in a confined space
Post by: chicklewis on January 20, 2018, 03:35:54 AM
Your colorful laundry is just THE BEST !
Title: Re: Sharp Practice in a confined space
Post by: Mac on January 21, 2018, 04:59:26 AM
Thanks you for the kind words.

Malmute: I hope you don't object to your figures excursion to India, as their next appearance will be as Illinois militia, fighting Black Hawk.

ItalWars: the matt is a PVC table top cover with the "Cloth Side" textured with caulk and flock. Can post some how-to pictures if you are interested. You can also see the matt in a different setting in Happy Wanderer's posts, or here: http://macslittlefriends.blogspot.com.au/2018/01/the-battle-of-parramatta-road-1816.html (http://macslittlefriends.blogspot.com.au/2018/01/the-battle-of-parramatta-road-1816.html)

Goliad: We that playing on a small table took about 45 minutes off the playing time, but also really helped focus the action. One of the real reasons we did it is to take away the agony when you roll all '1's for movement. We all hate that.

Chicklewis: I takes great courage for a man to air his dirty laundry in public.



Title: Re: Sharp Practice in a confined space
Post by: Bloggard on January 21, 2018, 12:34:24 PM
it'd sure be good to see a 'how to' for the mat if possible - one of the best looking boards I've seen for a while  :-* :-*, and I'm not understanding how it's done from the mention above.
Title: Re: Sharp Practice in a confined space
Post by: Malamute on January 21, 2018, 12:44:27 PM

Malmute: I hope you don't object to your figures excursion to India, as their next appearance will be as Illinois militia, fighting Black Hawk.

ItalWars: the matt is a PVC table top cover with the "Cloth Side" textured with caulk and flock. Can post some how-to pictures if you are interested.





Very happy to see them in action in any corner of the globe.

I for one would very much welcome seeing how the mat is made as I'm considering making one myself.
Title: Re: Sharp Practice in a confined space
Post by: DintheDin on January 21, 2018, 07:24:12 PM

I for one would very much welcome seeing how the mat is made as I'm considering making one myself.

Very nice and natural looking terrain!
I would be also very interested!
Title: Re: Sharp Practice in a confined space
Post by: Mac on January 23, 2018, 04:28:26 AM
OK. I did my best at writing a blog on how I made that mat.

http://macslittlefriends.blogspot.com.au/2018/01/my-fluffy-grass-matt.html (http://macslittlefriends.blogspot.com.au/2018/01/my-fluffy-grass-matt.html)

(https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RqcKFJGcUa4/Wmaw29QdOuI/AAAAAAAACqA/w3VfFyFY6RU2gXvXMLdmFbBz8vKpOzfegCLcBGAs/s640/IMG_6205.JPG)
Title: Re: Sharp Practice in a confined space
Post by: Happy Wanderer on January 23, 2018, 04:59:12 AM
Excellent stuff Mac,

I might have to have one of my own 😉👍

Happy W
Title: Re: Sharp Practice in a confined space
Post by: DintheDin on January 23, 2018, 08:06:39 AM
Great, instructive tutorial! Thank you!
Title: Re: Sharp Practice in a confined space
Post by: Hu Rhu on January 23, 2018, 09:48:56 AM
Looks like a great idea.  I might have to try it out.  Can you give me some better idea of the make or type of the vinyl matt so that I might source it in the UK.
Title: Re: Sharp Practice in a confined space
Post by: Bloggard on January 23, 2018, 10:18:24 AM
echoing the above, thanks very much for the blogpost 'how-to' concerning the mat.

as well as the vinyl mat details, I wondered if you could supply the flock details (make), as all may not be made equal?
Guess that might sound a bit ott!

brilliant job with the mat anyway.


Title: Re: Sharp Practice in a confined space
Post by: Munindk on January 23, 2018, 11:03:36 AM
Nice looking mat and the how to is much appreciated. I second the call for more information on the vinyl fabric.
The closest things I can think of in Denmark would be oilcloth/vax tablecloth and faux leather, though the latter is probably far too thick.
Title: Re: Sharp Practice in a confined space
Post by: Mac on January 23, 2018, 10:03:57 PM
This is the flock I used. Its from Germany, I think and is very expensive here. Please send me a bucket-load if you are from Europe. In return I can send you some sand, lots of sand in Australia.

https://hobbyco.com.au/noch-scenery-accessories/noch-fine-flock-dark-green (https://hobbyco.com.au/noch-scenery-accessories/noch-fine-flock-dark-green)

I think the vinyl is intended to be used as a table covering for holiday homes. A very Australian problem... but it is vinyl on one side and cloth in the other.
Title: Re: Sharp Practice in a confined space
Post by: Bloggard on January 23, 2018, 10:43:47 PM
thanks very much for the extra info.

don't find the price of flock / grasses easy to stomach here (UK) either tbh.
Title: Re: Sharp Practice in a confined space
Post by: FifteensAway on January 24, 2018, 06:37:49 AM
Quite 'moo'tivating terrain, though the dead cows are a bit 'moo'rtifying!   lol

"The cat has been punished."   :o  Oh, now you are in for it.  Abuse of felines is a horrible offense.  Don't you know they have Nine lives!?  You shall be punished to the ninth degree.   ;)
Title: Re: Sharp Practice in a confined space
Post by: levied troop on January 24, 2018, 07:53:06 AM
Thanks for the ‘how-to’.  I’m tempted to have a look at this in the UK:
http://www.dunelm.com/category/home-and-furniture/cook-and-dine/dining-and-tableware/tablecloths-and-runners?sku_id=30185823&cm_mmc=pla_google-_-PLA%20-%20GS%20-%20Dine-_-Tablecloths%20and%20Runners%20-%20New-_-keyword&gclid=EAIaIQobChMI7ZeFzo7w2AIVrL_tCh2lwgY6EAQYFSADEgJgD_D_BwE

for a trial run. 
Title: Re: Sharp Practice in a confined space
Post by: Bloggard on January 24, 2018, 09:52:17 AM
I've bought one of these:

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/262656474330?var=561565698812

difficult finding one where the pvc side is a useful colour / texture - although not a big deal to me in truth.

* - sorry to be kind of de-railing the thread here with a focus on the mat:
any further posts I'll confine to the thread in the 'workbench' board.
Title: Re: Sharp Practice in a confined space
Post by: Munindk on January 24, 2018, 01:22:11 PM
Thanks for the ‘how-to’.  I’m tempted to have a look at this in the UK:
http://www.dunelm.com/category/home-and-furniture/cook-and-dine/dining-and-tableware/tablecloths-and-runners?sku_id=30185823&cm_mmc=pla_google-_-PLA%20-%20GS%20-%20Dine-_-Tablecloths%20and%20Runners%20-%20New-_-keyword&gclid=EAIaIQobChMI7ZeFzo7w2AIVrL_tCh2lwgY6EAQYFSADEgJgD_D_BwE

for a trial run. 
Thats the stuff I'm looking at. As Bloggard said its next to impossible to find something with a usefull pvc side also the more garish the print, the cheaper it seems to be.
Title: Re: Sharp Practice in a confined space
Post by: Panama on January 24, 2018, 01:31:15 PM
A great post so inspiring :)
Title: Re: Sharp Practice in a confined space
Post by: Furt on March 06, 2018, 10:07:12 AM
Great table and beautiful minis!  :-*
Title: Re: Sharp Practice in a confined space
Post by: Featherstone on March 08, 2018, 07:27:59 PM
Was going to ask about the terrain mat but I see that’s already been covered. :D Thanks for taking the time to “how-to”!

Not being familiar with SP yet, does it mandate a 4x6/4x8 board? I’d love to see how it’d work as a café table game, even if it means dropping a scale or two...