The Battle for Dirk's Compound - Part 3 - The Campaign Turn 1 (Updated)

The Battle for Dirk's Compound - Part 3 The Campaign Turn 1

Previously
Pt 1 The cast.

Pt 2 - Pre game Info, House rules.

Hi everyone,
                              Here is me working out the first campaign turn information for the upcoming  5150 Star Army V Orks scrap - "Battle at Durk's Compound".

Mission Briefing

Morale - Star Army 3 + (Roll  1d6 = 5) = 8.
                      Orks  3 + (Roll 1d6 = 1) = 4.
So, the Star Army is controlling the planet Jaggren.

The Maximum Investment Level for Star Army = 5.
The Investment Level (IL) for Star Army = 3
The Inclement Weather Level = 6.
The Aerial Recon (MIL + IL = Target Number) 5+3 =  8 . 2d6 Roll = 9. Fail - so no aerial recon.
Mission Intelligence Level 2 + 1 =3, -1 Inclement weather 3-1=2. Patrol 2-1= Score of 1.
Score 1 = Conflicting reports - Counts as "Good".
Force (Mission IL- Ork IL) = 3 -3 = 0. 1 Squad, but no assets.

Squad Orders - Patrol the area around Dirks Compound and report on its suitability to be converted into a forward base of operations. Intel Reports  no hostiles are expected in the area. Local Weather - Poor, but will not hamper operation.

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The Maximum Investment Level for the Orks = 4.
The Investment Level (IL) for the Orks = 3.
The Inclement Weather Level = 6.
Aerial Recon (MIL + IL = Target Number) 4 + 3 =  5 . 2d6 Roll = 4+1 =3 Success.
Mission Intelligence Level 2 + 1 =3, AR +1 =4 -1 Inclement weather 4-1=3. Patrol 3-1= Score of 2.
Score 2 =  "Good".
Force (Mission IL- SA IL) = 3 -3 = 0. 1 Squad, but no assets.

The Job - "Oy, you, yes you, scruffy. I 'ave a little job for ya. Our scouts say there are some buildings over the next hill, get your sorry little squad over there and see what you can get. No rubbish, mind. You get a quarter share of the loot. Now scram!"

"Yes, Chief Chunky, right away !".

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Ok, lets get this show on the road before too long. I have got most of the table set up, but there are still a few design issues to iron out and see what can fit where.

I would have been further along, but I was glued to the crewed Falcon 9 launch on youtube. Currently they are safe in orbit. Stay safe, guys.

The stage is set, as they say, I had various changes of heart as to what should go where. I am doing photos and the dialogue as I go along. I am currently bashing out turn 4 and its not for me to give anything away, except someone wished they had stopped in bed.

Regards all,

Ivor Cogdell

The Battle for Dirk's Compound Part.2 - The Pre-Game (Updated)

The Battle for Dirk's Compound - Part 2.

Previously

Pt 1 - The Cast.

Hi all,

         Here are my house rules for the game.

Weapons.

Plasma Gun - One round to charge it up, able to fire on the second round.
Power Glove - + 2 dice in Melee.
Fragmentation Grenade - Range Thrown = 8", Rifle Propelled - 16". Damage radius 
Bolter = Small Machine Gun.
Molecular Chain Saw - + 2d6 in Melee.
Flame Thrower - Target suit overloads OOA (Unless close to water-stunned).

Snotty, the ork standard bearer is also the Medic. The Standard counts as a two handed melee weapon +2 dice.
The orks are wearing Soft Body Armour.
Those orks with helmets get a +1 dice bonus in melee.

The Space Marines are wearing Hard Body Armour. 16" movement.They cannot take a Fast Move Test, but it will count as as such for over 8" moves. Carrying Assault rifles and possibly a molecular saw, or a Power glove and a pistol.
Special Attribute - IR Vision, Targeting, Com Linked, Evacuation Request.
Roll 3d6 for Recover from Knock Down test.
Dis-adavantage -  No fuel for their jet packs.

Ork / Hishen Reaction Tests

+1d6 if in cover.
-1d6 if squad at half strength or less. 

There have been updates, because I had to amend the power of the weaponry if it seems too one sided for the Star Army, once it gets going.

Regards all,

Ivor Cogdell

Thoughts On -The new version of Blogger is creaky. Updated - 6 June 2020)

Hi everyone,
                   It looks nice, but it is bent, close to being busted. I could mot at one time upload photos to it, I get the error message "docs.googledocs.web" does not connect to your computer. I'm running windows 10 with Chrome. I have tried a different browser, brave, no luck. I have 12 gb of upload room for pictures, so it is not that.

I have looked on the forum, with no joy, it just keeps repeating itself with an answer and saying the post has been locked, as if that solves anything.

Just to point out, I have had absolutely NO problems with the original one, so they CAN get stuff right on the nail, they just have not tested the new one enough OR given us the tools to comment on it properly. I have checked on it and it is just about fixed.

Previous review score - 1 out of 10.

Ivor Cogdell.

Update 6/6/2020. - I can now get pictures onto the website, but it seems a slower procedure.

3 out of 10.

The Battle for Dirk's Compound - Part.1 - The Cast (Updated)

5150 Star Army Rules - The Battle for Dirk's Compound

The Cast

Hi everyone, 

                    Here is the cast of my latest war game in preperation -The Battle for Dirk's Compound, using the 5150 Star Army Rules (C) by Two Hour Wargames. My figures are partially from Games Workshop (C) Orks and "Rebel Trooper" type Space Marines. They are about to get rather angry with one another over some disputed real estate. You know how touchy these green fellows can be. One has to merely mention that their maiden aunt had a face like a wizened pickle and they hit the roof, even if it was true. Well, especially if it was true.

The Rebel forces.

The Boss-"Teddy Boy" - Assault Rifle, "Spike the Nutter" - Assault Rifle and "Spike Junior" - Plasma Gun.

"Sweet Blondie"- Assault Rifle with molecular Blade and "Spring Boots" Jump 8', "Snotty the Standard Bearer" - Medic and "Toot the Smoker"-  Second in command. - Flame thrower.

"George the Knuckles"- Power Glove with "Mack the Knife" Assault Rifle and Molecular Blade.

 Roll Call for the Star Army

"Major Vance “Bullseye” Popov" Laser Pistol and Molecular saw, . Sgt. Hank “The Tank” McDougal Assault rifle, and Pvt. Andy “Red Top” Jones - Power Glove and pistol.

 Pvt. Vicky “Sureshot” Hodges - Assault Rifle,  Pvt. Charles “Thumper” Wiggins - Power Glove and Pvt. Wanda “Magic” York - Assault rifle.

If reinforcements enter the fray, their info will be shown at the time.

The Character Stats and first Campaign Turn is to follow next.

Ivor Cogdell

Coming soon

Coming soon to a Blog near you

Hi all,

          Just a quick note to let you in on my next mini wargames treat. I am going to try out the Two Hour Wargames (C) 5150 Star Army skirmish Solo rules, using Games Workshop (C) Warhammer 40K "Rogue Trooper" Space Marines and Orks as opponents. There are assorted alien types to square off against, with different styles of attacks. It comes with a built in terrain generator, so you get unique games every time.

Why not use the 40k rules? There are no solo rules in there, and there are in 5150 Star Army. Most, if not all Two hour wargames are specifically designed for solo play in mind. Being Solo rules, there should be more of a surprise element in it for me, which is good.

Features

They use markers for the approaching enemy forces location, which may or not be ghosts. You do not know until actual contact with them. There is are assorted mission types, Patrol, Attack, Defend, vehicle and building rules. It has a campaign element in it as well, which should be fun.

I have finished the Ork and Star Army Marine Roll Call, just got to convert some of the weapons and check for damage done. Photos of the participants coming soon. I am still pondering the size of table to use, though.

Catch you later, stay safe,

Ivor Cogdell

Crab Man

Painting The Crab Man

Hi all,

        As promised, here is my painting stages for the crab man.

I started off with a base coat of Citadel Colour (TM) Games Workshop (C) Terracotta, with a thin wash of purple. Followed by doing the highlights  with a thinned mix of Terracotta and Blood Angel Orange, then Blood Angel Orange alone.

Next on was a thinned mix of Blood Angel Orange and Sunburst yellow.

Then another highlight pass with thinned Sunburst Yellow.

The claws, tusks and tentacles were then done in pale green.

Finally, bilious green spots and purple markings were added to the carapace and exoskeleton.

Final adjustments, here and there.

This is the finished mini, unless I decide to tart up the base with something later. All paints used were Citadel Colour (TM) from the first edition Rogue Trader Space Marines Painting Set or the Creature Painting Set, Games Workshop (C). It may not be in the current box set. Please check at your local Warhammer shop or on the net. There are other brands available to use.

I hope it inspires you to have a go at your unpainted mini pile and get stuck in painting them. Please leave a comment below.

Regards to all,

Ivor Cogdell

Round of applause - Updated.

A Great Round Of Applause

Hi all,

        A big thanks and a great round of applause to all of you for getting me over the 8,000 viewing count mark and of course, as usual, everybody helping in the fight against Corona Virus.

I have been doing a bit more painting today of the Crab Man from the previous blog entry "Getting Wet" and I have put them on here for you in the next posting - Crab Man. I have also cut to size and fitted a replacement shelf in my reclaimed shelf unit in my game room, with that and a cupboard, I can have a swop around now.

          A quick shout to all of the wargamers on you tube helping to promote the hobby. A big well done to all of you new bloggers out there, keep on going now you have started.

Try out these dudes -

Wargaming Recon - the longest wargaming podcast,

Mel, the Terrain Tutor,

The Black Magic Craft,

On the Table Top, formerly "Beasts of War".

Regards all,

Ivor Cogdell

Getting wet

Or Rather Getting Brushes wet

Hi all,

         Just to show that not every second of my time has been sent in the garden lately, it certainly seems like it though. Here are a few painted bits of minis. Some of them are nasty looking critters too. By the (C) Copyright date on the sprue,  I have had them for a while, so it was about time they saw some action, as it were.

Ready for snipping.

First wash.

Terracotta first coat.

First coat of thin brown wash.

Light highlights added.

A fire ready to be lit.

Close up on Alien. For the next stage of painting this mini, see "Crab Man" post 24th May 2020.

All models are in the early stages, feel free to add any comments or tips below.

Regards all,

Ivor Cogdell

Expanding a Barricade pt3

Terrain Gardening

Hi all,
         Here is the third part of my Terrain expansion idea, what to do if you are all out of models to build. It's not exactly kit bashing, but not far off. Find an existing bit of kit and embellish it to your satisfaction. That can be things like adding debris, junk, tools, boxes etc to an area on your model. Adding more defences, barriers, tripwires, nets, pits, anything to give your models extra grief getting through them in one piece.

If you have not checked out my other instalments, please do so now, so you are all caught up on the process and where I have come from with this.

The Previous Build

Side view, showing an old pathway.

Materials you will need.

Filler or grout.
Lolly stick
Sand.
PVA Glue or Modgepodge.

Apply the filler around the base with a lolly stick or your fingers.

Smooth down around the edges.

Apply fine sand over the still wet filler, press into place and allow to dry.

Add more or less texture as you fancy. Paint if required.

I would have done more texturing, but I had run out of sand. Such is life.

Wooden baracade that can be moved when needed.

Once dry, seal with watered down PVA glue or modgepodge. Allow that to dry. Apply a second coat if needed. Then touch up any bits that need doing with paint.

Happy modelling, folks,

Ivor Cogdell