"You want the Old Skool!"

[Harry Faversham]

Ah yes, the Mexico City Olympics in 1968. But I think the figures were 1859 Austrians. At least in my memory they were.

I think your memory's better than mine Andy...
that sounds more like it!

 

[Andrew_McGuire]

Thanks. I haven't read the book or article in question recently, and don't know why it's stuck in my mind, but if I recall the context correctly, Don was describing setting about a new project;  he wanted another mid-century European army, but was uninspired by Russians, and selected the Austro-Hungarian Empire instead. Finding no suitable range of figures available, he resorted to conversion, with suitable distraction from the tedium. Other than the substitution of epoxy putty for Plasticine, and, generally speaking, hard plastic 28 mm figures for soft plastic (i.e. Airfix) ones, I think it's fair to say that nothing has really changed that much in the subsequent 50 years.

[Harry Faversham]

Enough of this meander into a half remembered Yesteryear. Meanwhile back in the TARDIS to...
Yesteryear...

The British must capture the strategically important high ground to their front while denying the road junction to the French, who must in turn deny the hill to Wellington’s men and also take the crossroads…

Both sides begin to deploy and advance. Serious first blood goes to the French as their Grand Battery takes the Black Watch under a heavy fire, they waver and His Grace the Duke of Wellington, rallies them. A splendid volley from the Highlanders stops the 1st Grenadiers of the Old Guard in their tracks! The Emperor personally gallops up to join his ‘Grumblers’.

Wot’s not to like about a looming point blank volleyfest!!!???

In the swirling Cavalry fight the Curryasar General, Marcel de Tosspot, is cut down by  the 10th’s Colonel, Harry Faversham, who’s lost wot passes for his wits and joining the fight like a common Trooper.

 

[DintheDin]

Love these figures! Can recognize their poses from far away!
Nice pics! Thanks for sharing!

[Harry Faversham]

Most of the collection was created the summer of 1972 in the six week holidays from proper Skool! Our kid built the Airfix Old Guard in 1975, I think?
Like Andy says the more things change the more they stay the same...
if you've got some real Veterans get 'em out and play with them!

[DintheDin]

Most of the collection was created the summer of 1972 in the six week holidays from proper Skool! Our kid built the Airfix Old Guard in 1975, I think?
Like Andy says the more things change the more they stay the same...
if you've got some real Veterans get 'em out and play with them!

It is worth it, indeed! We manage to get them out and play about half a dozen times per year...

[Harry Faversham]

DtheD, next time take some piccys.

 

[DintheDin]

With all my heart, on the first occasion!

For the moment: Do you recognize
1 These Prussian bombardiers?
2 and 3 These Austrian Generals?
4,5 and 6 These Austrian gunners?
7 These Bavarian grenadiers?
 

Some are Airfix of course, some are not 
 

[DintheDin]

And one more, French Napoleonic from the battle of Montmirail

[Harry Faversham]

Magnificent stuff there matey!
I well remember seeing an 'Old Skool', demo game with Spencer Smith 30mm figures, some years back. I've often wondered what kind of reception a giant Airfix Munchkin, Battle of Waterloo would get at a show?

[Harry Faversham]

“There’s something wrong with our bloody muskets today!”

His Grace the Duke of Wellington growled to an aide. A devastating exchange of close range volley fire had broken three of his Battalions. Peering into the battle smoke, His Grace, was unable to discern no similar disaster befalling the enemy…

“Vive L’Empereur!”

Echoed around the field, a tad premature as it turned out, as the British 10th and 15th Hussars drove the French Cavalry back in rout. His Grace ordered the reserves into the breach in the French line…

“Hard pounding Gentlemen!”



 

[Harry Faversham]

The ‘pounding’ proved too much for His Grace, hit on the bonce by a spent ball he was carried from the field. Demoralised the British units gave ground till only Harry and The Coldstream Guards were left, they held the road doggedly till night came, then fell back leaving the field to the victorious French.

 

[Andrew_McGuire]

I didn't notice any reference to the rules used. It naturally goes without saying that these are either from one of the sets  / books published by the founding fathers of the hobby, or a self-penned set scrawled onto one side of the proverbial postcard. Kindly confirm.

[Harry Faversham]

An extremely advanced version of 'One Hour Wargames' rules. So advanced it now fills over half a sheet of A4!!!

[Andrew_McGuire]

Can't say I'm familiar with it, but I suppose it must be alright.