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Miniatures Adventure => Colonial Adventures => Topic started by: flatpack on January 01, 2019, 01:55:22 PM

Title: Askari - several years in the making
Post by: flatpack on January 01, 2019, 01:55:22 PM: So, a couple of years ago, I mentioned I was interested in playing games based on WW1 East Africa.
This interest was shared by a couple of people in our group.
I bought a couple of books on the subject, and started reading them.
I bought some figures, based and undercoated them, then left them in their box file.
Then other projects came along.
Sounds familiar I hear you say....

Well, over the last couple of weeks, I have revived my interest in the project.
I’ve set this coming Saturday as the date for our first game.
We are happy using the TMWWBK rules, with some added flavour of wild animals 🦒🐆🦓🐘🦍🐊🦔

Here is the layout for the first battle.

(https://i.postimg.cc/8PP506Ys/7-BA750-AF-BEED-4-DE5-88-AD-A2-D14124-D9-AE.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/DmHnW8nK)

(https://i.postimg.cc/4dkyLFCT/F4638-A8-F-ADA4-4-B18-988-B-BC9-FC1687-BE5.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/ns2nM2cd)

(https://i.postimg.cc/7Ys68Lv9/AE78-B2-C2-B66-F-493-B-8-C61-A8088-CFB841-D.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/WhZj0T1q)

(https://i.postimg.cc/7hXLLH5x/1-C90489-F-40-DA-4950-8-F18-D0406-B9-E77-D8.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/zHbNt1wM)

(https://i.postimg.cc/wM9vHyTf/F9607-CBA-6-D6-B-4-A0-C-B578-716-C22-D46-F5-E.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/PpFhQqDY)

Once we have played, I will post the aar.

I will also come back with plenty of photos I have taken, to get to this point, including figure and scenery details, and silly things like boats, trains, vehicles, and planes.

Let’s see how it goes.
Happy new year to you all.
Flatpack
Title: Re: Askari - several years in the making
Post by: FifteensAway on January 01, 2019, 02:44:56 PM: A very nice line of porters. And zebras and giraffes, too! Very cool. Do I spy a youthful giraffe in the mix?

I've managed to include youth in my collection of giraffes for my slowly developing African Plains herds - one third of the long necked ones are painted. Even had some African Cape Buffalo custom sculpted and will have a herd of 96 of those beasts, an expensive indulgence. (15 mm, for those wondering, seven poses including a dead one).

Will be following this to see what you come up with. I keep hoping for a good range for this period in 15 mm. Lancashire have a few packs for the Germans in 18 mm.

Like the terrain - that is some really tall elephant grass!
Title: Re: Askari - several years in the making
Post by: Malamute on January 01, 2019, 02:56:14 PM: Very nice indeed, looking forward to the AAR.
Title: Re: Askari - several years in the making
Post by: von Lucky on January 01, 2019, 07:58:51 PM: A very nice, lush looking set up. The buildings in particular a evocative.
Title: Re: Askari - several years in the making
Post by: has.been on January 01, 2019, 10:42:11 PM: The elephant grass IS TALL, I can't even see my elephants!
The crocs, hippos, lions & one ostrich are also hiding somewhere....
....my God it is a JUNGLE out there!!!!!
Looking forward to the fun. Oh & of course the bacon butties.
Title: Re: Askari - several years in the making
Post by: robh on January 02, 2019, 12:28:55 PM: Great looking table. Nice to see the wonderful TSS tiles.
Title: Re: Askari - several years in the making
Post by: Harry Faversham on January 02, 2019, 12:47:50 PM: Old projects never die, though they do sometimes, sadly fade away! Congratulations on so splendidly resurrecting yours...
that's how a proper wargames table should look!!!

:-*
Title: Re: Askari - several years in the making
Post by: flatpack on January 02, 2019, 10:23:23 PM: Gents
Thanks for the positive comments.
Still frantically painting Brits up for the game on Saturday.
Title: Re: Askari - several years in the making
Post by: flatpack on January 03, 2019, 07:26:18 AM: So, you want to wargame East Africa ?
That means you need jungle.

I looked on the web and went with the idea of plastic lizard and fish tank greenery, based on mdf.

I bought the plastic greenery from pet shops across the uk.
I bought palm trees from wargame shows.
I cut out mdf random shapes.
I did consider using old CD’s for the bases, which you could do, if you don’t have access to mdf and a saw.

I hot glue gunned the plastic bushes and leaves to the mdf.

Once I was happy, I used the commercially available green paint, with sand already in it, and painted this onto the bases.

I then dry brushed the bases.

I’ve discovered other items like the columns and the Buddha figure, and thrown them into the mix too.

(https://i.postimg.cc/7YhVYhXs/18-B88647-BC88-4086-9862-54-FF62-D92-B97.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/ppN8s2wz)

(https://i.postimg.cc/TY3kLC2c/116349-A0-78-D6-4309-AC5-A-CE4-F4-AA0-D5-FB.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/Cd9C9CqZ)

(https://i.postimg.cc/L8qNv51Y/B7-F37365-C39-F-46-DF-8260-1-CFEA6-CA8-FE8.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/3kTXxK9Y)
Before the bases were painted.

(https://i.postimg.cc/3wN7tgZj/1-EEB7758-3377-414-B-8-DE0-4-AD9-B133-D564.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/SnBwsY3j)
Columns from a fish tank, adapted for jungle.

(https://i.postimg.cc/prftmk2v/DE5-EF6-BF-F50-F-4-E44-9-E6-F-53866-FE9685-B.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/Pv57cWpV)

(https://i.postimg.cc/6QPKgyHk/96-E5-A31-D-834-B-410-D-A255-051-E9-D5-F0-B04.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/5H8DFNWg)
Buddha from a home store in the uk, with ivy added for effect.
Title: Re: Askari - several years in the making
Post by: Patrice on January 03, 2019, 12:09:15 PM: Thanks for the pics. I love such long tables!

Um the Buddha ang Greek/Roman columns are a bit unexpected in this area but I suppose they will give good reasons of adventures for archeologists. lol
Title: Re: Askari - several years in the making
Post by: Harry Faversham on January 03, 2019, 02:05:58 PM: Quote from: flatpack on January 03, 2019, 07:26:18 AM

(https://i.postimg.cc/3wN7tgZj/1-EEB7758-3377-414-B-8-DE0-4-AD9-B133-D564.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/SnBwsY3j)

SNAP!!!

(http://leadadventureforum.com/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=87070.0;attach=43041;image)

;)
Title: Re: Askari - several years in the making
Post by: flatpack on January 03, 2019, 02:52:23 PM: Yes you’ll never know what you might find deep in the jungle..lol
Title: Re: Askari - several years in the making
Post by: flatpack on January 03, 2019, 10:53:22 PM: As well as jungle, I needed buildings for the period.
I looked to Sarrisa for suitable MDF buildings.
I found these 3.
They are from their Mexican range.
I wanted the feel of “back of beyond”
I knew I wanted to incorporate the railway that was involved in the conflict, so I went for their Mexican railway station. I see now that they have a new one for Al Alamein that I might have gone for, instead of this Mexican one.
I think they have come up ok.

(https://i.postimg.cc/X74R2fjZ/F671198-C-2-DFB-4-E5-A-9-C2-C-88-DF4-AD13-DAB.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/2399yBBm)

(https://i.postimg.cc/251RQCz2/16162153-4-F9-B-416-B-B21-A-B8-CCAA5250-EF.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/Y4BskKLW)

(https://i.postimg.cc/5thG8vK2/BF8-F76-A8-B65-E-480-F-9687-0-F45-EA361-D6-B.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/4K1BgKTD)

(https://i.postimg.cc/sDLJBzNV/2-F0-C948-F-5-D45-439-C-98-C1-0-ACAB3-C362-FB.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/ppDj7wv7)

(https://i.postimg.cc/FRxZ1J2q/57-CE2723-4-C11-446-F-9-D49-F9-E28-C9-B390-D.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/gXnRTrcq)

(https://i.postimg.cc/8zqwYGRy/690-B6-B9-C-6-CF6-4565-9389-87-A3-D1934-EAD.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/sM4pBt0S)

(https://i.postimg.cc/sxDJWgz2/9553-A646-263-E-4-CDE-9395-789-CF16-C6-F56.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/TLFmMGp8)
Title: Re: Askari - several years in the making
Post by: gamer Mac on January 04, 2019, 12:46:23 AM: The MDF Buildings are very nice :-* :-* :-*
The waretower is superb :-* :-* :-* :-* :-* :-*
Title: Re: Askari - several years in the making
Post by: juergen c. olk on January 04, 2019, 01:45:50 AM: Wow! that is a very impressive layout,Kudos on the buildings
Title: Re: Askari - several years in the making
Post by: flatpack on January 04, 2019, 07:02:42 PM: Nice Warbases Russian buildings, for the wooden walls, then the roof covered in the kids chicken sub, corigated cardboard, to give the corigated iron effect.

(https://i.postimg.cc/nrbJVNfT/599-B6-F13-9644-463-B-8757-33-B645064898.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/WFnKXW3J)

(https://i.postimg.cc/wvszpgZ7/8503-EAFE-ECBC-49-F8-AA6-A-2-A0-E0-BE38434.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/zb56wZJr)

(https://i.postimg.cc/Tw3QFFnq/D71-E6-EBF-F280-491-A-BC9-D-6-BEE632-AA165.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/3yzgDLSd)

(https://i.postimg.cc/x8B4MHJg/691-F6-E67-8604-464-C-9944-1-D17-F81-BE202.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/ZvFHhWLy)

(https://i.postimg.cc/c48jZD2z/8535-A085-F673-4278-8550-CA6-E462-DC922.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/CzSJs4FC)

(https://i.postimg.cc/7Ys68Lv9/AE78-B2-C2-B66-F-493-B-8-C61-A8088-CFB841-D.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/WhZj0T1q)
Title: Re: Askari - several years in the making
Post by: joekano on January 04, 2019, 07:10:07 PM: Welcome to the madness! I think you'll have a lot of fun gaming this region/era. Your set up looks great!

Chris
Title: Re: Askari - several years in the making
Post by: flatpack on January 04, 2019, 09:01:45 PM: Many thanks Chris
Looking forward to it.
Title: Re: Askari - several years in the making
Post by: flatpack on January 06, 2019, 10:00:41 AM: So, we actually played a game with the figures yesterday morning.

We were able the field about 10 German units, plus 5 MGs, and 2 artillery pieces.
The British could field about 5 infantry units, a couple of Lewis gunners, 1 MG, 2 mortars, and a Rolls Royce armoured car.

Rules used were TMWWBK.

The idea was the the Brits had to hold, the tea and goods warehouse on the right hand side of the table, but also had to venture forth to try to take the railway station in the town at the top of the table.

The Germans were also given the same objectives.

Little did we know at the start of the game, what a major part all the “wild animals” would play, as they gracefully roamed around the battlefield (and I don’t want any clever button counters telling me that they would have run away at the sound of the first gun shot, as I know that BUT that would have made for a boring game, and we don’t like boring games do we?)

So here’s the initial set up.
Germans on the left, Brits on the right.

(https://i.postimg.cc/W46dVS2P/B998915-C-2041-4-B7-E-8-ABC-EBF2444-BD375.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/SXRS762Z)

(https://i.postimg.cc/PxSNpxp3/08443-FD2-5294-41-BB-BB18-9-A195-AE383-FC.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/vg6GCGvf)
Here you can see the Brits holding the warehouse.

(https://i.postimg.cc/2jXVC1f3/4376-EF68-5-D9-E-41-B2-9-D9-E-1662-B9-E2-AEB7.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/yWcVPYxz)
And again, British initial deployment.

German initial deployment was immediately effected by roaming elephants.
(https://i.postimg.cc/KjVzfH5t/CF1-AC4-DC-B886-4-D49-8225-4-ECD3-C8-F7-AA9.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/gLVmk4Q0)

The elephants really hampered the Germans deployment, as it looked like the German officer in charge of the railway section (JC), was playing chess with the elephants, moving one way and then the other.
(https://i.postimg.cc/ncyrQNrJ/16-BA33-A0-D4-E1-4-C5-D-96-F8-F6-DC7-D24-BA1-D.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/PPMTg313)

The German Askari further down the line, started to advance on the Brits, in an out flanking manoeuvre, only for zebras to appear. More like battle of the bar codes.
(https://i.postimg.cc/NFLF1cRg/BFC2-FC27-8-F46-459-C-8455-06226930-E2-E0.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/H8DTgFSK)

(https://i.postimg.cc/sXHDfNqb/53689-B7-E-324-D-412-E-9-B51-3-AA2-A89-A9828.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/KkLyJJZ5)

The British mortar teams then opened up on the Germans, so the Germans attacked them with Germanic zebras.
(https://i.postimg.cc/63ppXXjd/D9-A14107-C451-4-E93-A6-B6-06-F1-C5-BC27-E6.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/HJFgwfCx)

By the way, all the animals were on the table at the start of the game, but Pete came up with a cunning plan, that allowed us to activate them, as and when, but then we threw direction dice and a D6, to see which way they moved.

To counter the British mortars, the Germans opened up with their artillery.
(https://i.postimg.cc/xdYd6HLp/ECA49-B60-BC0-C-4342-BA4-C-6-CA1-BB14-E10-A.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/gxSdJxS3)

Those piggin’ Elephants were still playing havoc in the town.
(https://i.postimg.cc/fy6zm0wK/9-DFC40-A5-31-B4-429-D-83-DE-82-D3-E9227-EF2.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/2L7NfyLb)

The British fired up their armoured car and advanced beyond the tea warehouse.
(https://i.postimg.cc/ZRQ4zyyS/39-D0723-E-85-DD-4-D53-91-C3-6-E12280-F34-B1.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/cgfVQCm9)

Then the British started to advance towards the railway station. I think they were hoping the elephants would wipe out the Germans, so they could save wasting bullets on the enemy.
(https://i.postimg.cc/FKsY931d/9-B298408-E433-4263-A7-F4-DB96-C034-E5-C4.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/BjkSp8T4)

It was all stating to heat up, so the beer was broken out.
(https://i.postimg.cc/rstcVFSt/CF554-DDF-A1-DF-44-C0-9-DB2-2-B11-DDD93592.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/YLkT87Dp)

German sea battalion advances on the warehouse, trying to avoid the giraffes.
(https://i.postimg.cc/63FqLPcn/1-A56-C179-1-E9-A-4379-AFB6-AD7-F8-F52-BFEF.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/1ncyyJL3)

TECHNICAL POINT, TECHNICAL POINT.
From an issue raised in an earlier reply post........Elephant grass, that actually is as tall as an elephant ! I thank you...lol
(https://i.postimg.cc/W3dtZVGs/2-AE9-F9-DD-9-F78-4-A02-8533-0-D0-D4-BA32258.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/bDjzXKV5)

Brits still advancing on the railway station, but James blue shirt Brits are extremely reluctant to come out and play
(https://i.postimg.cc/FKsY931d/9-B298408-E433-4263-A7-F4-DB96-C034-E5-C4.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/BjkSp8T4)

British armoured car holds off the Germans at the warehouse.
The orange marker was used to show that a crew member had been killed.
(https://i.postimg.cc/yx9dfTp5/F0828539-7-EDA-4-EEF-B286-562-BD68-E6-C5-F.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/m1LBk7sN)

German troops, still pushing thro the jungle, to outflank the Brits.
(https://i.postimg.cc/5tR2brZT/1-DD01-EB5-7-CDF-41-E1-A587-E0308-D8-DA5-F7.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/NyRcxdGk)

German troops driving off the British approaching troops at the railway station and successfully holding the centre of the battlefield.
(https://i.postimg.cc/28R31PVf/34778-B9-A-1-DB9-4-AD1-802-F-89-AD5-CBCE59-E.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/4nPXM268)

Onwards Askari, onwards.....but it’s a jungle out there.
(https://i.postimg.cc/BZ1XQqZg/7-B7-A8-C9-C-A1-AF-4-E61-9134-92-CAABF2-C5-EE.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/YjMpdBWG)

So to the dying embers of the game.
The British armoured car saves the day for them at the warehouse, fighting off several German units.
(https://i.postimg.cc/0y9QfDYW/82-E4-EA0-F-5-C38-489-A-B5-B6-4-A1-D76-B38-B96.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/pp1RV91z)

(https://i.postimg.cc/RFJVFRmF/DA40567-D-60-B7-484-F-AB4-A-0-A3-AB35-E8981.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/KkFyptRS)

The Germans still held the railway station, and the Brits still held the warehouse, so we called it a draw.

We had a great game and many laughs were had.

Not bad for a Saturday morning, BATTLES, BEER, BUTTIES AND BANTER, what more could you ask for in a hobby.

Thanks to all involved.
Title: Re: Askari - several years in the making
Post by: Poiter50 on January 06, 2019, 10:03:49 AM: Where is the prone/lying Elephant from?
Title: Re: Askari - several years in the making
Post by: Byblos on January 06, 2019, 10:04:18 AM: Superb ! Very well done :-*
Title: Re: Askari - several years in the making
Post by: flatpack on January 06, 2019, 10:15:05 AM: I believe the prone/lying down elephant, was an ornament from a charity shop, that was repainted ?
Pete, tell us all about it ?
Title: Re: Askari - several years in the making
Post by: Poiter50 on January 06, 2019, 10:18:14 AM: Thank you.

Quote from: flatpack on January 06, 2019, 10:15:05 AM
I believe the prone/lying down elephant, was an ornament from a charity shop, that was repainted ?
Pete, tell us all about it ?
Title: Re: Askari - several years in the making
Post by: has.been on January 06, 2019, 10:35:24 AM: Flatpack is right, the lying down (baby) elephant (& the mother) are an ornament from a charity shop.
Cost was (I think) was about 50p , a repaint & base up & it joined the herd. As has been said,
this 'project' has been brewing for a while. That has allowed a lot of mooching time, not just
shows, but also things like charity shops.
Many thanks to Flatpack (Bob) for his boundles enthusiasm, buildings bonhomie, beer & butties,
as without them it would have been fun & probably not have happened.
Title: Re: Askari - several years in the making
Post by: vodkafan on January 06, 2019, 10:53:33 AM: Wow it looks fantastic, great photos, will try to be there next time to take personal command of my reluctant Brits.
Title: Re: Askari - several years in the making
Post by: gamer Mac on January 06, 2019, 11:55:00 AM: Great looking table and game :-* :-* :-* :-* :-* :-*
well worth the wait
Title: Re: Askari - several years in the making
Post by: von Lucky on January 06, 2019, 11:56:06 AM: GREAT looking game, and happy for you all it was a lot of fun.

What rules did you use for the armoured car (I ask as I'm thinking of using TMWWBK for Freikorps battles)?
Title: Re: Askari - several years in the making
Post by: has.been on January 06, 2019, 01:48:01 PM: As TMwwbK rules do not have A/cars mortars or wild animals we just made up some simple
rules. They have to be 'simple' as we are all getting on & don't do 'complex' any more.
For those interested here they are:-

Vehicles. Go up, or down, the gears. 1st gear (starting) = 1x D6 inches. 2nd gear = 2x D6 etc.
A one when attempting to start = fail. The inches achieved when moving = maximum, you can do less if you want (throw 14" does not mean you have to do that, but could do say 8")
If you get more 1s than other scores = failure (umpire/ other players decide) e.g. tire blow out,
stalled, out of petrol etc. (if you want you could draw up a chart & dice on it)

Mortars. We gave them two ranges (as per TMwwbK) N.B. they must have a minimum distance.
We had 12" to 24" & long range 24" to 36". If owner managed to fire (our Empress Miniatures
'Oliver & Hardy' mortar kept failing, "That's another fine mess you've gotten me into") he chose an 'aim point' then threw artillery deviation dice (games workshop) the deviation was in CMs if at
short range, inches if long ranges. If still within 2" of (any) target = hits. If within 6" of (any)
target = hits, but counts as another level of cover (as per TMwwbK)

Animals. Each of the five players were given two 'hazard' cards. They could play them at any
time they thought appropriate. This activated an animal threat. The elephants were the most
effective of the British troops! JC, the left wing German commander decided not to fire at them
due to a believe that several tons of beasts 'wandering around' were less of a threat than a
stampeding herd. Any beasts activated were controlled by artillery deviation dice until they
left the area. The elephants did (eventually) wander off table & the lions disappeared further into
the jungle.
It is planned to do a series of event cards to cover what the animals do, such as 'Any unit crossing
a stream has attracted crocodiles' or 'Anyone in a boat has awoken hippos' with covering rules on the cards.
(Hopefully) more pictures of the game. They show how far Flatpack will go for a picture.
The 'Tea warehouse' was a Sarrissa kit Christmas gift from Dicemaster (Garry). It is a Roman
workhouse, but will be used in many different time zones. The Tea signs were cut out (from tea
bags & packs) then attached to the building with spots of Blue Tack.
Title: Re: Askari - several years in the making
Post by: FifteensAway on January 06, 2019, 02:57:09 PM: "Little did we know at the start of the game, what a major part all the “wild animals” would play, as they gracefully roamed around the battlefield (and I don’t want any clever button counters telling me that they would have run away at the sound of the first gun shot, as I know that BUT that would have made for a boring game, and we don’t like boring games do we?)"

No, we most certainly don't - like boring games, that is. And how can any game not be enhanced by animals roaming amount causing mayhem, especially in Africa?! Alas, I didn't see the crocs, hippos, or ostrich make an appearance (as mentioned early in this thread to be lurking about).

Of course, there is a class of player who takes critterly mayhem amiss in a good game. Such sad souls weren't in line the day senses of humor were handed out methinks.

Looks like a really fun game. Hope to see more. And keep those critters busy, please!
Title: Re: Askari - several years in the making
Post by: Harry Faversham on January 06, 2019, 03:26:39 PM: Quote from: FifteensAway on January 06, 2019, 02:57:09 PM
(and I don’t want any clever button counters telling me that they would have run away at the sound of the first gun shot, as I know that BUT that would have made for a boring game, and we don’t like boring games do we?)"

Where to run to when there's popguns going off all around?
In my 'umble opinion a charging effelump would be a handful going in any direction!!!

(https://www.guycoheleachart.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/ChargingElephant-Elephants-1.jpg)

:o
Title: Re: Askari - several years in the making
Post by: Marine0846 on January 06, 2019, 04:54:42 PM: Wonderful looking table.
I can't tell you how much I like the terrain.
How much fun can one have with friends and a great table to play on.
Well done.
Title: Re: Askari - several years in the making
Post by: Westbury on January 06, 2019, 05:41:50 PM: It certainly was fun amid much banter, some of which can't be repeated. A one of the British commanders I can only say "thank god for the wildlife" as our performance was less than what the colonial office expected; I of course blame the rules.
Title: Re: Askari - several years in the making
Post by: blacksoilbill on January 07, 2019, 11:20:07 AM: That is a great looking game, and sounds like it was a hoot to play. Another question about your armoured car rules: did it count as a gun team for shooting and being shot at, or something different? (I'm thinking about using TMWWBK for Russian Civil War.)
Title: Re: Askari - several years in the making
Post by: has.been on January 07, 2019, 11:40:16 AM: We treated it as crew served, i.e. same as artillery, however it was allowed to move
and fire. Just increase difficulty (cover) by one, or, it was allowed to do the 'skirmish'
move from the rules i.e. half a move & half fire.
These choices were greatly reduced when first the co-driver, then the driver were
adjudged wounded. The commander (our own 'Westbury') simply maintained machine
gun fire & did not worry moving. Fortunately he continued to pass pinning tests, as had he
got into morale problems he would have abandoned the A/car & run for it.

If you want to differentiate between A/cars (or abilities of crews) may I suggest
you use dice other than D6s. e.g. good crews/cars get D10s. I would add fun by
having some hazard cards, e.g. Pot-hole in road roll D6 1,2 = wheel damaged..... etc.
Title: Re: Askari - several years in the making
Post by: von Lucky on January 07, 2019, 12:51:02 PM: Thanks for that - there's some cool ideas in those extra rules.
Title: Re: Askari - several years in the making
Post by: blacksoilbill on January 07, 2019, 02:46:43 PM: Yes, thanks - those are some great ideas.
Title: Re: Askari - several years in the making
Post by: has.been on January 07, 2019, 10:27:22 PM: I don't know about 'great' but they certainly are cheap. Have fun guys.
Title: Re: Askari - several years in the making
Post by: flatpack on January 07, 2019, 10:35:04 PM: Cheap, cheap....it’s all free.
Title: Re: Askari - several years in the making
Post by: flatpack on January 09, 2019, 08:39:42 PM: Talking of armoured cars, here are the two Warbases, mdf and cardboard armoured cars that I put together for the period.

(https://i.postimg.cc/LX8hNpZH/675-AB410-1-FE5-49-A6-B3-D2-9-D111-FECC406.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/TyBR3B9S)

(https://i.postimg.cc/43ZYHtfH/90-F8453-C-3003-4344-BF54-92390346749-D.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/pmGWgmnP)

(https://i.postimg.cc/PqPzYJzW/1-D184799-BA7-B-4-BE4-AB3-C-6439-E7-BD677-C.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/061wq84j)

(https://i.postimg.cc/brXTzPnQ/D773-A4-CB-AF22-46-AA-AE9-A-1-F0-B8-CA3-F268.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/sQcSctwX)

(https://i.postimg.cc/XqZq6k8m/E913-F659-4-DE7-4-E25-AB5-C-DFE6888-DA685.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/T56frmBJ)

(https://i.postimg.cc/W3YzyHM0/E7-AC6-BF7-ACE1-43-AF-8290-33-F1-FF1496-C2.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/Hc5Tc3vL)

Just adds a bit of fun, trying to get these down the jungle trails.
Title: Re: Askari - several years in the making
Post by: DintheDin on January 09, 2019, 10:57:11 PM: You did a great job making the armored cars :-*
Congrats!
Title: Re: Askari - several years in the making
Post by: joekano on January 10, 2019, 05:06:46 PM: Great to see the table in action! Thanks for sharing!
Title: Re: Askari - several years in the making
Post by: flatpack on January 10, 2019, 05:39:31 PM: I did struggle to find suitable figures for this period, but as I’ve said before, I’ve spent a couple of years gathering them from different suppliers.
Here are some photos of them before painting.

(https://i.postimg.cc/Y2bRHYNL/811-CD6-C5-58-A9-4-B68-B411-5817955-D4-D5-A.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/hhQT8J5K)
British troops

(https://i.postimg.cc/brQRr504/1356-E7-EC-E677-4-C1-A-91-A4-6-B1-D73-B2-F268.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/xN1mFt4P)
British machinegunners

(https://i.postimg.cc/VsbG2Gtq/DEB981-B1-A0-D1-4-B06-B841-92-D3-D3-F8-B7-D4.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/V5mWCFDv)
Indian mountain gun

(https://i.postimg.cc/4Ng5qJsG/0-D3-DE1-AE-7-B82-4-F9-C-8-A88-404-AA5-DD0327.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/t7BWVGsv)
German machinegunners and artillery

(https://i.postimg.cc/xT3RSW1z/727-A9-FF6-AD59-46-E3-9-FAE-7-B352-E29-F477.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/ykW9mp91)
Mule train
Title: Re: Askari - several years in the making
Post by: flatpack on March 04, 2019, 08:49:06 PM: New train, that we can try and get into the next game, scheduled for two weeks time.

Before the paint job.
(https://i.postimg.cc/wvnW7JCR/C1001-DF1-EBB6-4850-B55-E-0-C2-D82-C2-A662.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/hzb8YJPK)

(https://i.postimg.cc/WbLWVGmQ/E88-D2-F80-A3-D8-440-A-8-C8-A-88-DF4-BB0543-C.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/qgwXXC5L)

After the paint job.
(https://i.postimg.cc/Nf6NjKpL/48-EA6-BC2-459-A-4-F91-BA76-7139-EF3-F96-CD.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/YhSNXCcw)

(https://i.postimg.cc/yx9L9xKQ/C68-F312-A-4-B8-D-477-E-BCD4-2246-AF6-CACE4.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/bSy0fzsk)

(https://i.postimg.cc/SsnTSVvp/697-D5-A5-E-E9-C2-43-C2-9-F07-348-FE6-E617-EE.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/DJKd5QhC)

(https://i.postimg.cc/8zTZJT04/1289-F5-C4-CD55-4-E5-D-862-B-F25-FBEAB5448.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/56kBDW1Q)
Title: Re: Askari - several years in the making
Post by: vodkafan on March 04, 2019, 11:12:56 PM: :o I better get painting!
Title: Re: Askari - several years in the making
Post by: flatpack on March 15, 2019, 07:23:47 PM: Images for tomorrow mornings game.
Just waiting for troops to gather, and a “native village” to materialise.
(https://i.postimg.cc/G2j6td1N/074-FBE8-D-2-C78-41-F8-B0-D3-D7-D8-A0-ED11-EA.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/sQvT0Fx9)

(https://i.postimg.cc/3Jb528DQ/88-EC7-AEF-1523-4-BBA-A8-D4-1-D12773-D214-D.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/zVWcr1jx)

Finished train
(https://i.postimg.cc/xCQW9qBM/6984016-D-C049-4-E5-D-865-B-973-FAF735-B7-C.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/zLddjDzG)

Finished British troops
(https://i.postimg.cc/13LkYvHW/4-E38-BFF3-DC25-41-BC-A730-A9603-D3-DC918.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/18r78cb6)

(https://i.postimg.cc/mrCvx7pT/7-CF4-D9-D5-E071-4125-935-D-F10-BFEA5-BC4-D.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/kVM1KRdH)

(https://i.postimg.cc/Z5BkcGrB/73-CF8-E5-D-B359-4316-A0-B4-0-D8-AA7-C36-C4-A.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/rDkYyYZM)
How will they get on against their old enemy ?
We will find out in the morning.
Title: Re: Askari - several years in the making
Post by: von Lucky on March 15, 2019, 09:44:00 PM: Looking good.
Title: Re: Askari - several years in the making
Post by: flatpack on March 17, 2019, 09:03:45 AM: Here we go.
Yesterday we played another game using TMWWBK rules.
The chaps turned up with new kit.
Garry turned up with native figures and Pete brought along his newly painted native village.
James had new British machine gunners.
The games are good, as they push us to finish kit to get it to the table.

So British forces entered the table on the right, and German forces entered on the left.

(https://i.postimg.cc/8PR5y7MW/32360849-CDEF-4266-A8-A0-127-AF6-E594-D4.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/tYgpJCrC)

What are those porters doing in the middle of all this.
(https://i.postimg.cc/yNbYJcCq/F0-A9-D798-7-A34-4-F77-B7-F4-67-FE6-EAB3496.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/PL1k9LqK)

British troops advance against the Germans.
(https://i.postimg.cc/XYxvbt2Y/09-B9613-D-B49-F-4917-92-DD-79-F40529-DFEA.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/w1yz548C)

Here come the Scots
(https://i.postimg.cc/DzZwy5Dd/7-FB80-F6-A-43-C3-4050-815-B-4-EBE990-EAD3-D.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/tsKjBd9Y)

Unfortunately the train crew ran away, so no chance of moving the train...
(https://i.postimg.cc/BnJvRJBz/9-E081673-4545-48-A8-9-B86-13346-B1-BEC5-B.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/fJgZ9nF7)

Look !!! A zebra crossing lol lol
(https://i.postimg.cc/mgxbGBN4/EF7-D4-FAD-05-C7-4331-9-D72-EFA89125264-B.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/1fHxGxj7)

“I say, those natives look a little restless”
(https://i.postimg.cc/1Xf9yzjm/C0-BB4-C7-F-336-C-4-D50-95-B9-5-A2-A57-F84-B30.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/ZvzkcJm2)

“On me boys, let’s sort the natives out”
(https://i.postimg.cc/dtZqXLCn/35-EF5-ACF-D714-4-B4-C-9700-07-BFB31-F450-A.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/F7m5kFDJ)

(https://i.postimg.cc/fb8nkNXJ/3-BF73-BD2-2205-4661-87-F2-3-B65-FA23-F99-D.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/f3Sgg18N)

SHOCKER James freshly painted Sikh troops turn and run after their very first combat...all that time and effort wasted as the chaps leave the field...I don’t know.
(https://i.postimg.cc/3xg38Vnv/9440-D4-E7-40-E3-4794-BB89-C9-BDBEC8868-B.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/jDdpvgVx)

Giraffes and telegraph poles don’t mix.....
(https://i.postimg.cc/Xvj6VJrR/5-BE0-B156-A748-41-B8-99-B3-5-DC2-D46-EFBEF.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/K1HHfmrf)

The native village looks a little light of German support troops. What’s that to the left ? Oh no not more elephants...
(https://i.postimg.cc/RZQz5fZ1/AE058-B28-46-EB-472-A-A770-9-EFF5-D4-DC00-B.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/Yv9PQvgj)

Here they come again JC. Only JC could play hide and seek with elephants as they chase his troops again. That’s two games running they have headed for him. Oh how we laughed.
(https://i.postimg.cc/SsK4Gsq6/E46-C7-BAF-B1-D0-490-C-899-C-D18-DB863-EF54.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/Mcgg6znH)

The battle is going well for the Brits.
As you can see from this photo, there are very few Germans left on the table.
(https://i.postimg.cc/vTfG4Kbk/0251300-C-9-A91-4-F51-81-BD-A0-C3-E9894-D12.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/wRqCP0tQ)

Brits trying to flush out the final few enemy’s.
(https://i.postimg.cc/gcZztx8s/1-C602231-7-BAA-4-ACF-85-C1-93-A92-B66-C9-F4.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/z3qYVXdH)

Final picture. Could this be the start of a Scottish Cavalry unit, on Zebras ?
(https://i.postimg.cc/MKJWCzYS/118-F8-EF8-35-CD-468-B-BF61-17-CF6362-E46-C.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/6TzJRJSj)

Final outcome - British win.
Great game, great fun, great company.

Hope you enjoy these rules as much as we do.
Title: Re: Askari - several years in the making
Post by: DintheDin on March 17, 2019, 09:07:14 AM: Must have been an exciting and very enjoyable game! Great pics!
Title: Re: Askari - several years in the making
Post by: vodkafan on March 17, 2019, 09:25:04 AM: It was a great way to spend a saturday morning. The wild animals caused as many casualties as the combatants, which gives this theatre of war the extra flavour for us. You don't often see elephants and giraffes on the Somme.
Title: Re: Askari - several years in the making
Post by: Colonel Tubby on March 17, 2019, 06:51:04 PM: Fantastic looking tables and some fun games too boot!
Title: Re: Askari - several years in the making
Post by: Lord Raglan on March 17, 2019, 07:25:07 PM: Nicely done sir, what a charming little game this looks!!
Title: Re: Askari - several years in the making
Post by: gamer Mac on March 17, 2019, 07:40:41 PM: Cracking looking game, figures , animals , etc :-* :-* :-* :-* :-* :-*
Title: Re: Askari - several years in the making
Post by: has.been on March 17, 2019, 07:41:34 PM: Just to add a few more pictures:-
1) & 2) The start. 3)giraffes take down the telegraph wires 4)Ostrich chases a messenger
5) Witch Dr scares some levies 6)JC takes his 2nd 'attacked by elephants' with good grace.
Title: Re: Askari - several years in the making
Post by: has.been on March 17, 2019, 08:00:27 PM: Oops!
Only the JC one loaded, but it is the best one.
Talk is of getting him an 'anti-elephant' unit,
now who makes 28mm mice?

Hopefully the ostrich one has now loaded.
Title: Re: Askari - several years in the making
Post by: blacksoilbill on March 18, 2019, 11:27:02 PM: What a great looking game! It sounds like it was lots of fun too.
Title: Re: Askari - several years in the making
Post by: FifteensAway on March 19, 2019, 01:43:59 AM: Let's see: there is cavalry, camelry, artillery, infantry...and elephantry! lol Go critters, go.
Title: Re: Askari - several years in the making
Post by: DintheDin on March 19, 2019, 09:19:08 AM: Much fun must be had! lol
Cheers!
Title: Re: Askari - several years in the making
Post by: Westbury on March 24, 2019, 05:40:34 PM: Looks like a visit to West Midlands Safari Park!
Sorry I missed it but floating around on a cruise ship was marginally more fun. :)
Title: Re: Askari - several years in the making
Post by: flatpack on March 26, 2019, 09:07:54 PM: Look out, iceberg ahead :o :o
Title: Re: Askari - several years in the making
Post by: flatpack on August 13, 2019, 08:23:47 AM: Latest update
On holiday, painting figures.
Naval crew, deck guns, German landing party, radio antenna, Indian mountain gun. Finished and ready for action.

(https://i.postimg.cc/VLgpBBvV/E3-B6-B290-E0-FA-4-E38-8917-F6-D313-E74-B29.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/2Vq0CW4Q)

British sailors
(https://i.postimg.cc/QM2yxfYH/51-DA16-F0-69-B1-4751-9-FDE-5343-EF72-FF03.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/McYD9mSS)

German sailors
(https://i.postimg.cc/Ghd6ySLD/265-F0-E9-A-4152-4284-8371-03-B1-D38267-F6.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/Z0sfkHyY)

Deck guns
(https://i.postimg.cc/Y9Qy4QT8/2-EAA14-CC-597-F-4-E12-A319-41-EB7-EDCCF68.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/34JZV08D)

Radio antenna
(https://i.postimg.cc/xdJZ2wRw/BE0-F0-DB5-51-E3-440-C-9728-0-D9-D9-C3-A0-B8-C.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/qtrwcZWw)

German naval landing party
(https://i.postimg.cc/dV0XWkTt/F6-D9959-C-197-B-4-F1-D-B572-3599-F0738-A96.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/nC60rLk6)

Indian mountain gun and crew
(https://i.postimg.cc/tCqmTZkt/46893085-3-A8-B-4-D00-872-A-916-D0-B9961-F0.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/s1LJH2tv)
Title: Re: Askari - several years in the making
Post by: Mike1879 on August 13, 2019, 09:38:56 AM: Excellent well done 👍
Title: Re: Askari - several years in the making
Post by: FifteensAway on August 14, 2019, 01:43:32 AM: Does this mean we'll get another elephantastic, giraffic, zebrapendous game to admire soon?! lol

Hope ostriches on. (where is the 'oh, groan' emoticon when one needs it?)
Title: Re: Askari - several years in the making
Post by: flatpack on August 14, 2019, 08:38:17 AM: Could be....
Might need a cross eyed lion too.
Title: Re: Askari - several years in the making
Post by: 95th Division on August 14, 2019, 01:41:07 PM: Great looking table and beautiful work on the buildings.
Title: Re: Askari - several years in the making
Post by: flatpack on August 14, 2019, 03:46:41 PM: Many thanks
Title: Re: Askari - several years in the making
Post by: flatpack on September 01, 2019, 08:28:29 AM: Latest adventure from yesterday’s game, entitled “mucking about on the river”, or “attack of the killer bees”..you choose.

In this game I wanted to see what would happen when we tried to get troops on the move, via the river.

The scenario was as such....

The British are holding the radio station, at the top of the table. Are they sending back messages about German movements in this area of East Africa, or just banging out load Jazz music ? The Germans need to find out, and silence it.
(https://i.postimg.cc/T1gf1cNg/431-EF7-BC-AC3-D-450-F-A743-60-D2-E17-CABAD.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/CnhW6bgx)

The Germans decide on a two pronged attack.
The land forces will be led by 2nd lieutenant Clint Von Cluck. He will attack, along the road.
(https://i.postimg.cc/SxKQjGkz/D7-BBC83-C-A9-A0-4189-83-B1-E3-D874-C40-A90.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/SJwbvCXy)

The second German force will be lead by 2nd lieutenant Willhelm Von Voltswagon. He will be taking the river route to the radio station. He’ll be using those new fangled steam boats, leading his German marines and sailors.
(https://i.postimg.cc/k5n4NdQD/0877-BECA-BE28-4-BD2-8-D35-10193-F10568-D.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/YvsMkZyw)

The British deploy their pitiful defence force, at a barricade on the road, and the Scottish ladies at the radio station.
(https://i.postimg.cc/fWFJGpNg/13-C67802-8207-44-AB-92-A6-B4-B2-B1-B7061-C.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/7b3H7Bbg)
The British hopes are pinned on their naval relief force arriving in time. :o

The battle commences, with the German land forces advancing up the road, then disappearing into the jungle, as they were just out of British rifle fire range.
(https://i.postimg.cc/QM2Wpzdz/91-F13134-BE45-4838-8-DA0-247-FD73-FEC6-C.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/3yZRhnpj)
The British officer at the barricade, Capt Theo Cottonbud found this “dammed unsporting you know !”
Note - this German force had fought off killer bees earlier in the move.

The German naval force advance along the river, narrowly missing the attack of the hippos.
(https://i.postimg.cc/DZnMyx39/B24-EED0-A-F5-D3-4349-A247-AEC31-B3-FFFC2.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/4K25WbdP)

“What hippo, I see no hippo”
(https://i.postimg.cc/SR5d8rHN/2-C1197-D4-5082-422-B-85-F4-CB67-F4-F240-A4.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/YL6QB1pJ)

On only turn 2, the British naval relief force turns up under the command of Capt Appleby (he seems to get everywhere that chap)
(https://i.postimg.cc/HsRv7YC4/EA0-DAB5-B-B70-E-4-C21-8290-E835121-A11-CC.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/QHgJ2rCH)

(https://i.postimg.cc/j2G9KtxX/4587-B72-A-E86-C-4-AFB-884-C-455-EBAD481-DE.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/30F9FMD4)

Voltswagon tries steaming toward the Brits.
Only to start taking hits.
(https://i.postimg.cc/2j4nxCv7/E88-DE74-C-42-DA-4-CF6-8835-1-A9-E2-D90-BFDD.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/RqZ3S5gW)

At this stage, even more British troops arrive, behind Von Clucks German land forces...yippppeeee.
Now Von Cluck finds his troops SCRAMBLING to see which British force they should fight first.
(https://i.postimg.cc/vTdfdKRn/DA9-F7-A39-6842-4-C6-C-92-E4-75-C43-EDB28-CD.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/ygvkmv86)

(https://i.postimg.cc/RhKrWNb8/A457-FE26-580-C-42-D7-A146-A348-E0062-C5-E.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/hQDZwPnb)

The battle rages, as German marines land and then progress towards the radio station, as at the same time the German land forces, escape the jungle to advance on the radio station, and the brave British troops at the barricade, break and run.
(https://i.postimg.cc/Hnp0yNSg/33-CE2430-E527-4-D04-9-EAE-56-F658-BA85-A0.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/62mGsMJj)

On the river, it’s all happening, as Appleby rams the German steam boat and British troops force their way aboard the German boat.
(https://i.postimg.cc/CKq4TkZW/7331-DCE3-3210-4-DA5-BE28-43-CF5-A8-AB8-BA.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/TyTbnyJ9)

“Come on boys, let’s let Gerry know who’s boss of this river !”
(https://i.postimg.cc/BQSNLjyK/CAC9-FC46-B87-C-4-A69-90-E3-861781-D6-B832.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/hhYVNtKD)

But Gerry isn’t having any of it, and with a couple of brilliant dice rolls, sorry I mean some outstanding leadership skills from Von Voltswagon, and his sailor friends (worrying that lol), the Germans fight off the British boarding party, and turn the tables, by storming the British paddlesteam HMS Andypandy.
(https://i.postimg.cc/PrSymtsF/5-D0960-D8-156-B-4-C6-D-AF25-611-DF0-B302-D0.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/ykS0KCNF)

“Oh heck lads, run. Gerry’s onboard”
(https://i.postimg.cc/52GmRntB/E575-EE86-7453-48-B8-B652-F22-B557-F592-C.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/BjTD85Hb)

(https://i.postimg.cc/fRkKC6MW/E7627-DBE-545-A-4720-9-EAB-07-DC00-A62322.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/K1SBvpKC)

And that’s where we end today’s story.

We rolled the dice for the game countdown, and Gerry ran out of time.

The British radio station later intercepted the German officers reports of the battle.
Von Voltswagon wrote of his success in repelling boarders on his boats.

Von Cluck wrote something very strange -
“Got lost in the jungle, killed some Brits. Had a nice day out, would come again “
We think the sun got to him there a little bit lol lol

Great game, with great mates.
Used Reb and patriots rules for this game instead of TMWWBK. Worked well.
Got to use some boats....yipppeeee
Title: Re: Askari - several years in the making
Post by: has.been on September 01, 2019, 08:40:32 AM: Only one brief mention of the killer bees.
You forgot their attack on the British ship, that was so bad the crews of two MGs
jumped overboard to get away from them.
Also worth mentioning is the Hippo 'attack' on the German boats. Within 6" & the Brits
threw a D 10 to see how many inches they would move... got a TWO!!!!!
As said, 'Great game with great mates'
And as usual Bob you were a wonderful host (& now Grand-dad !!!)
Title: Re: Askari - several years in the making
Post by: vodkafan on September 01, 2019, 08:52:21 AM: Great pictures!
Slight correction, the British relief force on the river were led by 2nd Lt. Oscar Mountjoy, not Appleby. Annoyed by losing a whole Machine Gun unit who jumped overboard when attacked by a swarm of killer bees (this before the firefight started) he also had the Eton Rifles and the 14th Rajput Sikhs under command.
Full credit to the German riverine force commander: Von Voltswagen fought magnificently and it took 3 separate boarding party assaults to wipe out a few sailors. While I was busy fighting his boats I could not prevent the Germans landing two seebattalion units ashore. Two of the charges were led personally by Mountjoy himself at the the head of his Sikhs, which ensured his promotion to 1st Lt.
The wily old German fox Voltswagen managed to slip away after singlehandedly shooting one of the radio garrison's mortar crews with his pistol!
I am sure these two warriors will face each other again.
Title: Re: Askari - several years in the making
Post by: Westbury on September 01, 2019, 10:05:02 AM: von Voltswagen here.
My heroic efforts of single handedly attacking the radio station defended by two battalions of British foot and mortars are being treated with an air of disbelief at HQ to such an extent that not only has promotion and a decoration been denied but my sanity has been called into question! The fanaticism that I instilled in my brave sailors in repelling two attacks of superior numbers has also been put down to sheer luck! My reputation is at stake, I will return!
Title: Re: Askari - several years in the making
Post by: Plynkes on September 01, 2019, 10:39:25 AM: Wonderful stuff! Well done, gang. Always great to see a spread like this.

By the way, nobody would have considered the idea of steam boats as "new fangled" during the Great War. They had steam-powered water vessels in the 18th Century (though, admittedly they were shite!) :)
Title: Re: Askari - several years in the making
Post by: flatpack on September 01, 2019, 10:43:52 AM: Oh shite boats, now that is my kind of boat.
Thanks for the nice remarks, it was right good fun.
Title: Re: Askari - several years in the making
Post by: gamer Mac on September 01, 2019, 02:50:04 PM: VERY NICE AND FUN LOOKING BATTLE REPORT :-* :-* :-* :-* :-* :-*
Title: Re: Askari - several years in the making
Post by: FifteensAway on September 01, 2019, 03:22:16 PM: And then there is my odd measure of a successful game - zebras, gorillas, a croc, and hippos in the water! Wonderful. I have a similar 'bloat' of hippos to one day appear on table - hope it will be half as good as yours.

And while (or whilst, if you prefer) on the subject of corrections (like Plynkes' steamboat comment) either someone made off with an errant 'd' or we didn't get a good photo of the gals protecting the radio station. And shouldn't it be Jerry, versus Gerry as the name for the Krauts - though Gerry certainly makes more sense since they are "G-ermans"?

Regardless, as stated, lovely game. And really liked all the boat action. I could ask for a look at the angry bees buzzing but maybe easier to show us their hive in a tree - give players fair warning they are 'in the zone'.

edit: Hey, I discovered an ostrich I'd missed before!
Title: Re: Askari - several years in the making
Post by: has.been on September 01, 2019, 04:12:21 PM: Don't think I haven't thought about how to model a swarm of bees in 28mm.
I just haven't come up with a (relatively) easy way of doing it YET.

The random events were modified (Africanised?) versions of those already in Rebels &
Patriots (Reb&Pats). I have based them on events mentioned in the book 'Tip & Run',
which was recommended to us by Paul Eaglestone of Empress Miniatures. (I only wish
he would provide German tropical helmeted heads, for conversions. He does for the Brits.)

Attacks by killer bees did stop a (British attack), river crossings with hippos about were
dangerous, giraffes did bring about communication chaos by bringing down telegraph lines,
never mind the lions, elephants etc. etc.
Man it is like a jungle out there!!!!
Title: Re: Askari - several years in the making
Post by: Plynkes on September 01, 2019, 06:11:02 PM: Quote from: has.been on September 01, 2019, 04:12:21 PM
Don't think I haven't thought about how to model a swarm of bees in 28mm.
I just haven't come up with a (relatively) easy way of doing it YET.

I've been thinking about it for over twenty years, but never really came up with an idea that I liked.

One thing I did think about was rather than trying to depict the bees themselves (sorry FifteensAway, I couldn't think of a way of doing it I was satisfied with), I would depict a traditional East African log or matting beehive hanging from a tree. From what I'm aware, the troublesome bees at the battle of Tanga were in such hives, rather than wild ones. Then I would have some sort of exclusion zone around the hive(s) that could affect units that entered it.

(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/40/163-010919180626.jpeg)

Drifted away from gaming the Great War in Africa before ever getting around to it, unfortunately.
Title: Re: Askari - several years in the making
Post by: has.been on September 01, 2019, 08:53:27 PM: Thanks for the picture Plynkes, without that I wouldn't have ever thought of
modelling rolled up mats stuck in a tree!
Title: Re: Askari - several years in the making
Post by: juergen c. olk on September 02, 2019, 12:46:16 AM: That is a great looking game..the buildings ,especially the Gunboat..WowWWWW!!!
Title: Re: Askari - several years in the making
Post by: blacksoilbill on September 02, 2019, 03:30:56 AM: Splendid! What a visual feast, and it sounds like it was loads of fun too.
Title: Re: Askari - several years in the making
Post by: has.been on September 02, 2019, 07:49:42 AM: The buildings & boats, in fact the whole idea of doing WW1 in Africa, is done to Bob (Flatpack),
The rest of us just tag along for the ride, & bacon butties.
Title: Re: Askari - several years in the making
Post by: has.been on September 02, 2019, 07:57:52 AM: Oops! Should have typed 'down to Bob' (not done to Bob).
It is too early in the morning for me.
Title: Re: Askari - several years in the making
Post by: flatpack on September 15, 2019, 08:12:49 AM: Thought I would add this, when we talk about boats.
I’ve always wanted a paddle-steamer for these games, to add to the adventure.
I’d looked at scratch building, but never had the nerve to start.
I’d looked at resin, but they cost serious cash.
I finally looked at the build it yourself from an mdf kit from sarissa.
Now these too cost some cash, approx £45, and where would you store it after it’s built ?
Then I’m sure I saw an article on LAF one day, from a chap that had had the same issues, but he gave me a few clues to the answers.
So I plumped for the sarissa rear paddle steamer, after the chap said it could be dismantled so that it could be stored. He also modified his, to remove some of the upper roof on the upper deck, which was good, as it allowed you to get troops onto the upper deck. I also wanted to be able to mount deck guns up there too.
So birthday time comes round, and I “push the boat out” and spend my saved up pennies on the sarissa kit.
Now the boat itself is very easy to build, and it was a pleasure to put it together. The nerves kicked in when I was deciding where to cut the rear roof off.
Here’s what I ended up with...
(https://i.postimg.cc/Kz9mCzk3/D8653-E3-A-D7-DB-4-CBC-8983-819-B0-E91-BE58.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/PpwGwdMd)

So here are a few stages I went through to get there.

Here you can see I have cut off the rear roof and made myself a frame to get a canvas roof that can be offered into the space. I’ve kept the mdf roof sections to use under the canvas roof.
Cocktail sticks and coffee stirrers were used for the frame.
Here I am checking, sandbags and figures will fit.
(https://i.postimg.cc/4305Zg2h/FE3-EE8-D0-95-BD-43-F7-A66-B-5-F93-ABF006-AC.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/94GTtvhW)

Here are those roof sections being used to make the frame.
(https://i.postimg.cc/SszGxvH1/81-CFBEFB-C6-FB-4373-8790-387-D7-DCE397-B.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/TLfbkCdn)

Then I decided to make another frame to be covered in canvas ( made from kitchen paper and watered down pva glue), that could sit at the front of the boat.
(https://i.postimg.cc/rwJnB7LS/AB4703-D0-42-C0-4-C77-83-D6-63410-B2-FCA07.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/RWWLfshF)

Here I am, checking figures will fit again.
(https://i.postimg.cc/Zq574jTX/541-B240-E-592-E-4824-9-FDC-D4001-FCDAD1-B.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/PC0zMWvM)

Going back to the rear upper section, you can see I have used coffee stirrers to add strength to the roof, before the canvas goes on.
(https://i.postimg.cc/PqJ4Bxyj/37360-F08-A457-4-EE0-A4-A2-639-F9-E0585-B5.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/bGXknq4C)

(https://i.postimg.cc/brxHQ2yQ/23-EBB931-94-F1-4426-8766-623972-EB1879.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/1VzqSXNt)

Now the canvas is added, front and back, using the kitchen paper and watered down pva glue method. This took a few days to dry, before it could be painted (note, first time I’ve ever tried this, but got clues from the canvas master has.been)
(https://i.postimg.cc/Y2GPvX1H/0444108-D-82-FA-4-E9-A-A3-DC-1-ECC29-B3818-A.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/3Wh16FSS)

(https://i.postimg.cc/2yZ9g6z6/44-F0-DB80-AEB3-4-CC8-A56-F-32-FA84913947.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/bSqRtqSc)

(https://i.postimg.cc/28nXwVc9/95-CE5-B9-F-64-DC-40-A7-9-AC2-D130779-D4-FAD.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/7fYVPYyS)

So there you have it, one finished paddleboat (and a small steam boat for comparison)
(https://i.postimg.cc/mDq6dMWJ/FDFD76-CF-59-FD-4-C71-843-C-3-B9-B5477-B30-C.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/LYtT5JX3)

The next tricky part was finding sailors and deck guns, but after a bit of digging, they were sourced, painted and made it to the table.

Hope this inspires someone to take the plunge and get big boats into those African waterways.
Title: Re: Askari - several years in the making
Post by: dartfrog on September 15, 2019, 09:23:02 AM: Very nice paddle boat. Tempted, but a large project to add to the pile for me :? I'm sure it's further back in the messages, where's the boat from?
Cheers.
Title: Re: Askari - several years in the making
Post by: has.been on September 15, 2019, 09:27:04 AM: Having seen it in the 'flesh' I can honestly say it is even better than the pictures.
It really scared the Germans when it came around the bend in the river.
Title: Re: Askari - several years in the making
Post by: dartfrog on September 15, 2019, 09:53:39 AM: Just went through the whole thread. Very very nice. Inspiration for me to finish my East Africa stuff. Have enough Congo bits to give it a try. Loving the animals. Have had loads of fun with those in Congo games. Good to see others having fun with African wildlife.
Next stop rail system and boats I feel. Oh and giraffes, need plenty of giraffes.
Title: Re: Askari - several years in the making
Post by: flatpack on September 15, 2019, 10:31:39 AM: Glad it’s got your juices going for Africa again.
It’s a good period to game, with different elements thrown in (and animals !)
The paddle boat is made by sarissa btw.
Title: Re: Askari - several years in the making
Post by: dartfrog on September 15, 2019, 10:52:36 AM: Cheers. Sarrisa, not seen it. Time to go schmoozing their site.

Still having trouble finding good sized giraffes, all seem way too tall on ebay ::)
Title: Re: Askari - several years in the making
Post by: flatpack on September 15, 2019, 03:52:51 PM: I think we are using old airfix Tarzan box giraffes (has.been is that correct ?)
Title: Re: Askari - several years in the making
Post by: has.been on September 15, 2019, 06:59:32 PM: Not the Airfix ones, they are closer to 15/20mm.
I went to the great (ha!) expense of buying a couple of jungle animal sets
from Home Bargains (cheap shop). They provided quite a few animals,
though our lionesses are repainted tigers.
Title: Re: Askari - several years in the making
Post by: DintheDin on September 15, 2019, 07:03:20 PM: The paddle boat is awesome!
Excellent and inspiring!
Thanks for sharing the WIP pictures also!
Title: Re: Askari - several years in the making
Post by: flatpack on February 29, 2020, 11:40:21 AM: Back with more boats.
A couple of weeks ago, I noticed Sarrisa had released a new Retro Americana Shantyboat.
I ordered a couple as I’ve always had the idea of making my own paddlesteamer, using my imagination...Gulp.
I already had a couple of paddles from Blotz in mdf, so my intention was to just smack them on the sides of the shanty boat.
I also needed to add a steam engine in the rear of the boat to power it, and I didn’t really like the way the boat had square ends at both ends.
Below you can see the fruits of my endeavour.
Just got one more to make, and of course paint, before we have another WW1 East Africa game in a few weeks time.

(https://i.postimg.cc/gjycT20M/83944177-8561-40-F1-8508-829-F1015-AE13.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/30RHy7mp)

(https://i.postimg.cc/FF0KRDxj/A018-B4-B4-828-E-49-F8-B0-C4-40834-FD6-BA2-A.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/WtbVYmC3)

(https://i.postimg.cc/rFJFGs3s/D3-AE5305-44-A9-43-ED-9-BFD-ED8-E1-AA1-FE33.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/1f8Qsm91)

(https://i.postimg.cc/L5F6D1mY/D5-E26393-E570-42-AC-A66-B-55-D5-C2515-C8-D.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/jwvbdCwt)

(https://i.postimg.cc/02xyJDth/46938-C8-B-BC6-F-47-D9-A7-FE-F6-B6-E4-CBEAF4.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/nMRJyjf1)
Title: Re: Askari - several years in the making
Post by: gamer Mac on February 29, 2020, 12:05:36 PM: I like what you have done :-* :-* :-*
Title: Re: Askari - several years in the making
Post by: has.been on February 29, 2020, 12:30:44 PM: Bob. You are definitely building up a head of steam here.
Is the next Askari game Naval?
Title: Re: Askari - several years in the making
Post by: flatpack on February 29, 2020, 06:35:20 PM: Could be.....
Title: Re: Askari - several years in the making
Post by: Diablo Jon on February 29, 2020, 07:25:05 PM: Great thread! I will have to add a steam boat (or two) to my Darkest Africa project.
Title: Re: Askari - several years in the making
Post by: archiduque on March 02, 2020, 03:20:43 PM: Excellent!!! ;)
Title: Re: Askari - several years in the making
Post by: flatpack on March 31, 2020, 09:32:33 PM: Finished another run-a-round for this period at the weekend.
Warbases model t ford truck.
It’s sold as an ambulance, but filled in the Red Cross markings as I didn’t need an ambulance, just needed a truck.
(https://i.postimg.cc/52KB5WNs/8339-DE74-3-B45-4-F1-A-9-EEE-6-EB98464043-A.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/bZbS8Mnn)
Title: Re: Askari - several years in the making
Post by: has.been on March 31, 2020, 09:53:28 PM: Keep on trucking, Bob.
I don't suppose the need for trucks is related in any way to
having to transport bits of paddle steamers to an inland lake, by any chance?
Title: Re: Askari - several years in the making
Post by: flatpack on April 01, 2020, 07:42:47 AM: Could be, could be.
Title: Re: Askari - several years in the making
Post by: FifteensAway on April 02, 2020, 01:29:42 AM: Will Mimi be wearing her Toutou? Oh, wait, a bit further ~~east~~ west perhaps?! lol
Title: Re: Askari - several years in the making
Post by: flatpack on April 29, 2020, 04:08:42 PM: More transport on land and water.

Finished my model T with machine gun, and showing it here with the new model t truck from last wee.

(https://i.postimg.cc/Wz1ZXmGz/BB9-ED732-0-D3-B-446-D-9-D2-C-692-B73833-B91.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/TLBhPDHv)

(https://i.postimg.cc/13kpsqQ7/F14-E8-E02-9-B2-E-421-E-8-E0-F-6935-E361-A8-FE.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/CR4Z4ddb)

Also finished my homemade paddle steamer.
Armed with just a few guns.

(https://i.postimg.cc/vm55BZ8Y/AB191-BDB-A07-E-433-F-B984-655-FF1802-F71.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/8FP7XDr9)

(https://i.postimg.cc/52YwhmZF/5-DFFBA0-F-C9-E2-4-D94-BA65-445-E364-A503-F.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/0zvMm758)
Title: Re: Askari - several years in the making
Post by: Digits on April 29, 2020, 04:25:26 PM: Great work on the steamer! Looks to me that if you open the throttle, that thing is gonna fly up river!

Gives me ideas for my own.
Title: Re: Askari - several years in the making
Post by: vodkafan on April 29, 2020, 05:43:33 PM: Great job on the Model T's Bob!
I can't help feeling the paddle steamer needs a back end section though- The paddle wheels were in the centre of all the double ones I have seen, there must be some sound engineering reason why. But great work anyway.
Title: Re: Askari - several years in the making
Post by: has.been on April 29, 2020, 06:52:28 PM: How many boats have you now got?
How many more before there is no dry land in the next game?
Title: Re: Askari - several years in the making
Post by: Digits on April 29, 2020, 06:53:24 PM: There are many rear paddled examples. I love this concept.
Title: Re: Askari - several years in the making
Post by: Patrice on April 29, 2020, 08:45:03 PM: :o Oooh I like these cars and the boat! :-*
Title: Re: Askari - several years in the making
Post by: flatpack on April 29, 2020, 09:23:17 PM: James,
This paddle steamer is like the chopper pushbike of the 70’s with the big wheels towards the back.
Title: Re: Askari - several years in the making
Post by: marianas_gamer on April 29, 2020, 09:35:05 PM: Those trucks are grand! :-*
LB
Title: Re: Askari - several years in the making
Post by: flatpack on April 30, 2020, 02:52:38 PM: Pete.....
More boats.
This time 3D prints bought from irongate scenery.

(https://i.postimg.cc/FK2RVLbQ/9-DDAD3-C4-6-F05-4182-B593-57-C1-E2-FDDC45.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/Jy5M1tdT)

(https://i.postimg.cc/Zq9nNcdc/BEC5-F36-D-F312-440-C-9878-A2-E89-C4000-D6.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/p9HPbKkh)

(https://i.postimg.cc/g2trr5nj/A83-FB5-CA-D2-B2-479-A-9-A89-96-A8098-F2-A0-D.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/rDWqPfG2)
Title: Re: Askari - several years in the making
Post by: has.been on April 30, 2020, 10:04:59 PM: Bob! Your navy now ranks larger than Britain's!!!!!
Title: Re: Askari - several years in the making
Post by: JBaumal on May 02, 2020, 02:27:52 AM: Wow, trucks, steamboat, sailboats, oh my...

Your kits are awesome! I want to game with your toys.

Keep Calm and Keep Posting
Title: Re: Askari - several years in the making
Post by: Diablo Jon on May 02, 2020, 07:03:08 AM: Those boats are very cool.
Title: Re: Askari - several years in the making
Post by: vodkafan on May 02, 2020, 08:41:06 PM: I am starting to suspect you wanted to join the Navy as a youngster Bob lol
Title: Re: Askari - several years in the making
Post by: flatpack on May 03, 2020, 10:04:52 AM: No James, that was JC.
He was a power monkey with Nelson don’t you know...🧐
Title: Re: Askari - several years in the making
Post by: flatpack on November 23, 2020, 06:04:17 PM: More new toys.
Looking at expanding this adventure to other parts of the world, for around the 1920 period, but be able to use the figures I already have, with a few more added.
To this end, I looked into getting some French FT17 light tanks, as these seemed to be in most armies early after the end of ww1.
I looked at several companies, in 28mm and branched out into 3D printed models (as they were cheap !)
The models came from thetankcompanyuk, and I was happy with my first experience of 3D models.
Here we go....
This is how the three tanks arrived.
(https://i.postimg.cc/76n6Vj8J/0-BF1-CA78-D2-C4-43-DE-BE7-B-C95-B37417799.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/k6DqM157)

And these are the finished items today.
(https://i.postimg.cc/3NZvkdJ6/7-AC727-A4-ECB0-49-C4-A19-A-716-E0-E3-F5-DE3.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/Cnz1tM8H)

And with a few characters in front of them.
(https://i.postimg.cc/WzVZpMjg/7-A2-BAA1-D-508-E-4-CC7-AB94-ECB616-F36160.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/DJC0B4Sw)

I am happy with how they turned out, and it didn’t hurt the pocket.
Title: Re: Askari - several years in the making
Post by: has.been on November 23, 2020, 07:31:54 PM: Nice work Bob.
Title: Re: Askari - several years in the making
Post by: flatpack on November 23, 2020, 08:21:20 PM: Cheers Pete. They were a joy to do.
Title: Re: Askari - several years in the making
Post by: vodkafan on November 23, 2020, 09:37:57 PM: Really nice that camo scheme turned out ace. :o
Title: Re: Askari - several years in the making
Post by: Westbury on November 23, 2020, 10:42:54 PM: Nicely done Bob
Title: Re: Askari - several years in the making
Post by: JBaumal on November 24, 2020, 12:36:19 AM: They look awesome! Seemed to be a lot of flash or extra plastic on those upon arrival?
Title: Re: Askari - several years in the making
Post by: flatpack on November 24, 2020, 07:25:03 AM: I think all 3D printed items come with the extra material on them.
Then you have to clean it off yourself.
If the manufacturer cleaned it off, it would cost them time, more importantly, it would cost you more money, so this is how they keep the costs down in the product.
As I say, I was very happy with them.
Title: Re: Askari - several years in the making
Post by: has.been on November 24, 2020, 09:46:27 AM: I think the 'bits' are called scaffolding, the 3d printer equivalent of sprue.
Flatpack has confessed to breaking rule No. one of the wargamers code.
To wit, he threw it away!!!!!!
It can be used as detritus on ruined modern/sci-fi buildings.
He has been told off.
Title: Re: Askari - several years in the making
Post by: tomrommel1 on November 24, 2020, 09:57:35 AM: What a great collection!!!!
Title: Re: Askari - several years in the making
Post by: flatpack on November 24, 2020, 10:47:01 PM: Many thanks, it’s been fun.
Title: Re: Askari - several years in the making
Post by: flatpack on December 22, 2020, 11:16:45 AM: More 28mm 3D printed vehicles for the vehicle pool.
These 3 from Paint and glue.
Very nice as they didn’t come with the scaffolding on the vehicles, so with no scaffolding removal time, I could get straight on with the painting.
(https://i.postimg.cc/TPw5ddLg/4-CEB99-B9-2-F1-C-4-BFA-BF9-D-8678848-B2727.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/yDM8nzT8)
Here they are added to the first 3 that I painted from the tank factory uk.
There’s also a metal Bren carrier type thing, that I think I got from Empress in the past.
(https://i.postimg.cc/XvzGXRdh/1-D462536-5-A79-4-D3-C-9896-040-A9-AD8-AE19.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/Jyj42dTc)
Title: Re: Askari - several years in the making
Post by: BillK on December 27, 2020, 05:22:45 PM: A lot of nice work in this thread.
Thanks for posting.
Title: Re: Askari - several years in the making
Post by: flatpack on December 27, 2020, 11:08:59 PM: You are most welcome. I hope it helps.
Title: Re: Askari - several years in the making
Post by: flatpack on December 28, 2020, 09:07:46 AM: Had a chance to finish off a few more figures yesterday.

Added a British Naval unit.
(https://i.postimg.cc/CLksqFmD/16-F10-A66-BFE2-400-D-830-B-F31-BCCD43-D94.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/RNCtrzrV)

Then added 4 Sikh officers as I seemed to have 16 Sikh infantrymen.
(https://i.postimg.cc/pVgBr9YR/2-A78-F07-F-77-A3-4374-A5-CA-686-FFEB903-D1.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/yWyRr8bb)

(https://i.postimg.cc/tR159d6B/B496-ADCD-0-CA2-4330-B8-FE-05-A4-A1-D7-F4-F7.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/9zhTp7J9)

Now have about 80 afghan/hill tribesmen/slave traders. Just need to add some flags in the next couple of days. Majority of them are Perry plastics but there are some Empress afghans in there too.
(https://i.postimg.cc/tgC3wFyt/10-B3-D224-6569-4317-B5-F5-3-A11-D211-FD6-F.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/YvZLmGvh)

(https://i.postimg.cc/HLZwgjkG/A6-E36-A46-DBE6-496-A-93-CD-8-B96-E7-B0-CE56.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/XZ5GKj5x)

Then finally a couple of character figures that had been sat around for a few years. I’m sure we can get them on the table for a reason.
(https://i.postimg.cc/nh1K338h/9-F3-F3-CD7-AFAE-4-CA5-BC6-A-2-F076680-F7-FF.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/dhLT1mtb)
Title: Re: Askari - several years in the making
Post by: has.been on December 28, 2020, 10:02:25 AM: Nice of you to paint up enough cast members for a decent North West frontier film.
I know you have a Train, so that one with a few Brits & a child Indian Prince is do-able.
Take another shufti at Makatisha's Tea Room.
Title: Re: Askari - several years in the making
Post by: flatpack on December 28, 2020, 10:27:04 AM: Pete
I know that link far too well.
Title: Re: Askari - several years in the making
Post by: has.been on December 28, 2020, 01:06:56 PM: Quote
Pete
I know that link far too well.

Yeah, but is a goodie.
Title: Re: Askari - several years in the making
Post by: flatpack on January 20, 2021, 09:01:02 AM: Some hill tribesmen heavy support.
Perry afghan artillery and Empress jazz age mg.

(https://i.postimg.cc/s299bnB4/5-F3-C77-E3-DA98-4669-9-B35-71-FF6982-E4-C3.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/nsrDDGGX)

(https://i.postimg.cc/LsM3Cdss/9-F7-A675-C-A217-44-B1-82-F5-FF2-DA47-EB6-A1.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/nX0mrPB8)
Title: Re: Askari - several years in the making
Post by: Digits on January 20, 2021, 09:04:06 AM: They look great...though I can’t see an RPG anywhere?
Title: Re: Askari - several years in the making
Post by: Grumpy Gnome on January 20, 2021, 09:34:11 AM: I really like what you are making. I must resist getting drawn into another era of conflict... must... resist!
Title: Re: Askari - several years in the making
Post by: anch_io on January 28, 2021, 09:08:35 AM: What line is that Lenin from? Copplestone?

Really, really nice collection...
Title: Re: Askari - several years in the making
Post by: flatpack on January 29, 2021, 08:34:47 AM: The Lenin figure came from a bargain box at the Newark show a few years ago, although I have seen it recently in a pairing with another figure. I can’t remember the firm but it was to do with Victorian sci-fi I think.
Title: Re: Askari - several years in the making
Post by: has.been on January 29, 2021, 09:39:10 AM: Newark & Russian revolutionaries,
don't they just Trot(ski) them out! lol
Title: Re: Askari - several years in the making
Post by: flatpack on February 20, 2023, 09:35:38 AM: Lovely hand made village from Has.been.
Something on the horizon.
(https://i.postimg.cc/gjb15x2h/BF6-E39-BF-EF0-A-47-A9-8488-F69-F57-D926-D5.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/dknWZtdQ)
Title: Re: Askari - several years in the making
Post by: flatpack on February 20, 2023, 09:37:41 AM: All quiet on the waterfront.
(https://i.postimg.cc/kGNLd72p/3-ECA24-AB-4871-4-AE3-8867-B1-D2-F0072627.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/q6R1sVXs)
Title: Re: Askari - several years in the making
Post by: Golgotha on February 20, 2023, 09:40:43 AM: Lovely set up, especially like the village and steamer.
Title: Re: Askari - several years in the making
Post by: has.been on February 20, 2023, 11:30:09 AM: Quote
Lovely set up, especially like the village and steamer.

Bob does lovely set ups...& bacon butties...& sausage baps... & hash browns...
oh & lashings of drinks, both hot & cold.
:D :D :D
Title: Re: Askari - several years in the making
Post by: FifteensAway on February 20, 2023, 05:58:58 PM: Lovely. But I think the ladies in that village need to learn how to better control their cooking fires! :o :D
Title: Re: Askari - several years in the making
Post by: flatpack on February 20, 2023, 09:35:14 PM: Quote from: FifteensAway on February 20, 2023, 05:58:58 PM
Lovely. But I think the ladies in that village need to learn how to better control their cooking fires! :o :D
Pre-smoke alarms lol lol
Title: Re: Askari - several years in the making
Post by: has.been on February 21, 2023, 06:22:52 AM: Quote
Lovely. But I think the ladies in that village need to learn how to better control their cooking fires! :o :D
Pre-smoke alarms lol lol

When my wonderful mother was young, & one of her jobs was to get her parents breakfast,
she heard her father say to her mother, 'I know Phyllis is up...I can hear the
toast being scraped' She often managed to burn the toast, 'I just looked away for a second'
would be her explanation. Even after we bought her a 'New fangled' toaster we still had black
toast! She would put the bread in, but when it came out she always thought it needed a little
more, then... 'I just looked away for a second!'
Never mind we used to say. Paul, one of my brothers , told her, 'Not to worry, we ARE carbon
based life forms'
:)
Title: Re: Askari - several years in the making
Post by: Grumpy Gnome on February 21, 2023, 07:54:19 AM: Brilliant work! 👍
Title: Re: Askari - several years in the making
Post by: Westbury on February 21, 2023, 12:57:29 PM: I'm guessing this is the Saturday game?
Title: Re: Askari - several years in the making
Post by: CapnJim on February 21, 2023, 11:12:39 PM: That's a great looking setup!
Title: Re: Askari - several years in the making
Post by: joekano on February 22, 2023, 08:16:36 PM: That is a great looking table!
Title: Re: Askari - several years in the making
Post by: JBaumal on February 24, 2023, 12:17:25 PM: Beautiful table, what a visual treat!
Title: Re: Askari - several years in the making
Post by: flatpack on February 25, 2023, 09:26:54 PM: Game played.
AAR to follow.
Get the elephants out of the way !
(https://i.postimg.cc/HLJqqvVM/FB4234-AE-E0-F9-45-A7-9071-0018913-D159-D.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/PLjVZ4bf)
Title: Re: Askari - several years in the making
Post by: flatpack on February 26, 2023, 09:40:20 AM: Latest game, played yesterday.

“Having failed to catch a German raiding force, the British Army was limping back to the wharf on the River Sowensow, where the Navy was waiting to embark them. Unbeknownst to the British, the Germans were lying in wait for them. Can the Army get through ? Will the Hun succeed ? Will the elephants strike again ??”

So we had four players and an umpire.
We used the Rebels and Patriots rules.

We had the British column limping back to base.
From the German side, this looked like a “target rich” environment.
It included porters, mules, and the latest British mobile radio mule mounted unit.

(https://i.postimg.cc/mgdRfFjv/E29-E53-BC-D068-4457-95-B5-F4-D60-B7454-C0.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/DSbR10t6)

(https://i.postimg.cc/D0K3dQfX/15-FC93-A3-8-D92-4477-B726-E6364-AA7-B51-E.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/xJgZ9zzf)

The Germans had set ambush positions on slight rises, either side of the road.
They waited patiently.

(https://i.postimg.cc/cJ2S6yVT/C9-E16559-24-D5-4-FC3-B188-BC87-D155-B5-AA.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/rd1bYbyt)

(https://i.postimg.cc/J7bL7FKc/66342266-B251-456-E-AB64-23-B3263-B2-C2-D.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/WtbKXXBh)

German machine gunners, waiting for the order to fire.
(https://i.postimg.cc/J4xCZBfs/78325-D41-8188-4-FFE-B911-4-A0898-F6-E7-BE.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/6y8PNT5K)

German forces were gathering, behind their gun positions.
(https://i.postimg.cc/vZ8MNvr7/A58-F48-C9-9888-4054-AF15-FF48-F4-D67-F63.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/crzVKw56)

German forces were also “liberating” the local village.
They would use this as their launching point.
(https://i.postimg.cc/x8yDskqF/34999-ED6-723-C-49-E2-BF39-8-F1-CDCA82846.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/fSLryRcx)

The German guns opened up, as British forces began to fall and scatter.
(https://i.postimg.cc/4NsTY1SC/DC04-F0-FF-2557-4-E4-E-98-CE-D74-B2-B3-E985-F.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/vDqKj5yX)

The British column radioed the Navy, asking for support.
(https://i.postimg.cc/dV0PBVF4/BCA16-E2-A-A5-A8-401-B-ADC5-AC7-B87-D6-FC08.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/gn1TcdnZ)

As the Naval troops prepared to support the column, the German sponsored elephants arrived lol
(https://i.postimg.cc/HxXfxJ0s/97765201-EB87-4340-9856-3-B0-D6-C73-DA57.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/R6CPpZbj)

The Germans also called up their underwater division.
Hippos had a go at the British gun boat.
(https://i.postimg.cc/Y0xZ6Jy5/1849-C483-413-F-4287-9-DB8-0-B46-DBA2-E344.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/Mfv9xrw5)

The German troops in the village must have been having a great time in the local village, as they never left it. Could have been down to my very poor dice rolling I guess.
(https://i.postimg.cc/26WfZ9YY/3-A10-AFA3-11-D9-422-F-B79-E-E4722-B57-DD47.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/N9QVh4LC)

British troops were no all over the place.
The rearmost Indian troops even turned, and fled AWAY from their base.
(https://i.postimg.cc/tRdKGxCB/7-A2-F20-C4-4487-410-D-99-F1-8-CDCC974-F169.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/nMzRvMmm)

We now had some serious involvement from the local wildlife.
I would guess most of the local wildlife would run away from gunfire, but this lot, seemed to be drawn to it !
(https://i.postimg.cc/nzbP6F88/E06-DA50-F-52-D2-43-FE-8-CE8-74-BC82804-A2-D.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/DW66GKy5)

So there you have it.
British forces scattered across the battlefield.
A victorious German force.
The Navy never left their base.
Animals everywhere.
More like a bad day out at the Safari Park lol

Many thanks to Has.been for umpiring.
Many thanks to the gang for taking part, and we all left with a smile on our face.
Fun was had by all.
Title: Re: Askari - several years in the making
Post by: has.been on February 26, 2023, 03:46:06 PM: First of all Bob, we played not under Rebels & Patriots, but (at your request)
under another set of rules, 'The Men Who Would Be Kings'
::)
405 & 406 = The Schutztruppe started the battle concealed in the village.
They only came out after the final whistle blew.
407 The bearers pass a herd of Zebra.
408 While Giraffes move slowly passed concealed Germans.
409 Hippos swim downstream, towards the main British boat.
410 & 411 The Elephants close with the wharf. JC (Navy commander) is worried,
he has had bad run ins with African Wildlife before. Sailors 'Abandon Ship!'
The Navy concentrates its firepower on this twin attack & manage to drive
off both the Elephants and Hippos. The Column commander wishes that a
similar amount of lead was aimed at the Germans.
Title: Re: Askari - several years in the making
Post by: has.been on February 26, 2023, 03:57:27 PM: 412 = The view from the North ridge, just before the Askari guns opened up.
413 = And from the Southern Ridge, where we see some concealed MG teams.
414/15 = Enraged Elephants attack the compound. The Navy drove them off with
no loss, but seemed to forget about helping the column.
416/17 = Just to show the wildlife were not all anti-British, the herd of Giraffe
proceed to amble across the front of the Germans on the Southern ridge.
Title: Re: Askari - several years in the making
Post by: has.been on February 26, 2023, 04:41:00 PM: 418 & 419 = The Germans behind the South Ridge form up & advance.
420 = Zebras move away from all the noise.
421 = Giraffes do similar
422 = With the battle all but over, the Schutztruppe finally come out
of hiding.

Given that the Germans had the advantage of surprise (I thought) the scenario
could be balanced somewhat by:-
1) Giving them 'unreliable' troops (but they, especially on the Southern Ridge,
proved to be more than adequate)
2) Having the animals randomly move/act/react (The Brits, Navy in particular
felt they were definitely pro-German)
3) Giving the Brits the chance to talk/plan together as both the column
and the boat had Radios. (in fact they were only used once in the entire game)
4) Giving the Navy the largest preponderance of artillery. (One gun was not used
through-out the game as its officer was 'Short Sighted' & couldn't give a fire
order above short range! The Germans never came that close. All the guns
mounted on the boats were not used as the Navy player believed a 'German'
who said there were no spare crew for them.

The British were also, IMHO hampered by a defensive mentality.

The Column concentrated on running the gauntlet of both German controlled flanks.
Had they moved aggressively against either one, the other would have had spend
time moving (Not guaranteed given their poor quality Askari) or do their firing at
the less effective long range.

The Navy dug in at the wharf, & did little else. Had they moved against the Germans
holding the Southern ridge, they would have (at the very least) relieved the pressure
on the Column, & might have rolled up the Germans there. The Sailors were the
best fighting unit on the table, but never got the chance to show it.

It matters not a pinch of snuff, as a good time was had playing on Bob's lovely table,
while fed & 'watered' by the same Bob, our genial host.
Title: Re: Askari - several years in the making
Post by: flatpack on February 26, 2023, 05:34:00 PM: Sorry Pete.
Typo at my end this morning.
Anyway, nice to roll the dice and have some fun.
Title: Re: Askari - several years in the making
Post by: Westbury on February 26, 2023, 07:07:46 PM: Another glorious British defeat :(
Worryingly, both recent defeats have occurred with me and JC in charge - time for a new High Commissioner lol
In my/our defence I'm not sure there was much we could do really; the boat was a long way away and we were attacked on both sides by forces we didn't know the quality of. The major draw back of course was that radio messages for help fell on deaf ears!
Title: Re: Askari - several years in the making
Post by: MaleGriffin on February 26, 2023, 07:21:00 PM: WoW! Impressive! Fantastic figures and scenery! Inspirational!
Title: Re: Askari - several years in the making
Post by: marianas_gamer on February 26, 2023, 07:47:51 PM: Excellent, sounds like great fun and better yet you have good stories to slag off each other for years to come!
Title: Re: Askari - several years in the making
Post by: flatpack on February 26, 2023, 08:14:39 PM: Slag each other off ?
We had games from years ago to do that lol
Title: Re: Askari - several years in the making
Post by: Digits on February 26, 2023, 09:35:35 PM: Great looking game guys!
Title: Re: Askari - several years in the making
Post by: FifteensAway on February 26, 2023, 10:29:02 PM: Yea-haw and little fishes (or bigger hippos)! What fun. Of course, I had to peruse the wildlife before reading the 'competing' reports. Maybe forty critters in view across the reports - and apparently two species of giraffe (I sympathize, if I hadn't done a major repaint I'd have three species of giraffe in my collection!).

I suspect the reason for all those smiles at the end of the game had much to do with the wildlife and its interference. It's one thing to face human opponents in a historical battle - but how do you handle angry animals and still do your duty!

Loved it all! :D :o ;) lol
Title: Re: Askari - several years in the making
Post by: Golgotha on February 27, 2023, 09:30:52 AM: Very inspiring - did you need to make any tweaks to the Rebel and Patriot rules - had never considered them for this sort of setting/period but would like to give it a try...
Title: Re: Askari - several years in the making
Post by: has.been on February 27, 2023, 10:45:37 AM: Quote
Very inspiring - did you need to make any tweaks to the Rebel and Patriot rules - had never considered them for this sort of setting/period but would like to give it a try...

This time it was TMWWBKs, so fine 'straight out of the box'.
We have used Reb&Pat (which I prefer) On that occasion, if
I recall, very little tweaking only making up a few rules for
Armoured cars. We didn't want them to be too reliable so
the harder you pushed them (i.e faster) the more likely they were
to break down.
Title: Re: Askari - several years in the making
Post by: flatpack on February 27, 2023, 01:33:54 PM: Freshly finished new British gunboat, sneaks into port.
(https://i.postimg.cc/Dy8LM9cc/FEC073-A0-0-F8-C-4-D6-D-9-CEF-C6687-ACA6-E68.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/BXfj8wk8)

Not used in anger just yet.
(https://i.postimg.cc/Qxw1Gf4Z/002-A061-F-F50-C-4-CC1-B39-C-1-E75-C822668-C.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/D8Q81P3x)
Title: Re: Askari - several years in the making
Post by: has.been on February 27, 2023, 07:49:56 PM: Nice close ups Bob. I only remembered when I looked through
my pictures that I had missed it during the game, but to be fair
it was the other end of the table.
:D
Title: Re: Askari - several years in the making
Post by: Lord Raglan on February 27, 2023, 09:17:40 PM: Love this thread 👍🏻
Title: Re: Askari - several years in the making
Post by: CapnJim on February 28, 2023, 05:05:56 PM: Ooh! I really like that gunboat.

The battle reports were great too. I imagine, however, that the animal-lovers among us might be a bit put off by all the elephants/hippos that were harmed in the making of this production... :o 8)
Title: Re: Askari - several years in the making
Post by: flatpack on February 28, 2023, 11:00:52 PM: No animals were harmed in the making of this AAR lol o_o
Everyone was too busy running away.
Title: Re: Askari - several years in the making
Post by: CapnJim on March 04, 2023, 04:43:48 PM: Quote from: flatpack on February 28, 2023, 11:00:52 PM
No animals were harmed in the making of this AAR lol o_o
Everyone was too busy running away.

lol lol lol
Title: Re: Askari - several years in the making
Post by: flatpack on March 06, 2023, 04:19:07 PM: New kit has just arrived.
I’d been looking longingly at WW1 east Africa vehicles that are 3d printed by David Michael Freemantle.
He’s based in Australia and I’m based in the UK.
I haven’t seen anyone in the UK printing his vehicles, so I got in contact with him.
He owns and prints his own designs.
He has some fantastic kit for this period, and it’s not too pricey. :)
I picked out 3 different trucks and 2 of the aircraft that were used in East Africa during WW1.
(https://i.postimg.cc/X7pryJSK/8-D53-DE20-5-CE8-47-BC-AFEC-FE6-A27-A13-EFD.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/rK2VBqpz)

(https://i.postimg.cc/YqZhNHM5/F7-BD5221-635-D-42-E6-8956-F2-F112-EA2-D53.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/cr7xZPKh)

I guess I’ll have to paint them now :-[
Title: Re: Askari - several years in the making
Post by: CapnJim on March 07, 2023, 01:36:49 AM: Hey - they look good. be nice to see them painted... ;) :D
Title: Re: Askari - several years in the making
Post by: Westbury on March 07, 2023, 10:09:48 AM: I was reminded of Those Magnificent Men In Their Flying Machines lol
Title: Re: Askari - several years in the making
Post by: Cordvane on March 07, 2023, 12:04:00 PM: Wow, these flyers and trucks look interesting. Hope to see them painted soon. 👍
Title: Re: Askari - several years in the making
Post by: Zingara on March 07, 2023, 08:32:58 PM: Nice looking Safari Park with a some model soldiers to add to the ambience. Good looking game.
Title: Re: Askari - several years in the making
Post by: Marine0846 on March 07, 2023, 09:56:55 PM: A very lovely table. :-*
A very interesting period.
Love all your animals.
Adds lots to the table.
Title: Re: Askari - several years in the making
Post by: FifteensAway on March 08, 2023, 05:36:13 PM: flatpack, do you have a link to Mr. Freemantle's site - if he has one? I'm doing GEA in 15 mm and would love to see if he has anything in that scale or find out if he is willing to reduce to appropriate size? My planes are period appropriate but not theater specific. Thank you.