Cowpens 2018

Welcome to 2018!

New Year, new/old projects are on the horizon.  My gaming goal/resolution for 2018 is to finally complete some projects that have been ongoing for a few years now.  like many gamers I have the infamous "lead pile" which these days is just as much plastic as it is lead anymore.

Washington's Dragoons (Perry)

Mounted Militia (Perry)

Delaware and Maryland Continentals (Perry Plastic)

Virginia Continentals (Perry)

One of these projects is the huge pile of AWI figures I purchased during one of the amazing Warlord Sprue sales.  Late last year I decided I would finally enter the Southern Theater and my first project will be Cowpens.

Virginia Militia (Perry)

Combined Militia (Perry)

I chose Cowpens because I had the opportunity to visit the battlefield in Sept 2016 and it is a smaller very manageable scenario.  I am planning to use the scenario from the Black Powder Rebellion book to start out. Once The OoB is complete I will use remaining troops to model other units that served in the Southern theater so we can eventually expand to other scenarios.

North Carolina Militia (Perry)

South Carolina Militia

Riflemen (Perry)

At this point I have all the troops and have been diligently working on assembling and painting.  I have also enlisted the help of Mark and Karl for painting to realistically finish this project this year.

17th Light Dragoons (Perry)

Legion Detachments (Perry)

So far the Americans a pretty much complete I may eventually sub in some specific characters figures for the leaders, but the units are now ready for battle.

Tarleton (Fife and Drum)

71st Foot (Old Glory)

The British are taking a bit longer as I did need to order a few unique figures to for the legion cavalry and infantry.  Additionally, I wanted to make sure the army had the Southern look, so it required assembling many figures with the hats turned down instead of re purposing.  The good news is the last of the legion units have arrived and everything missing is in the process of painting and should be ready soon.

Scenario OoB

American Forces

British ready for Paint

Once Cowpens is complete I will use the remaining figures to round out a few more units and then either assemble the rest as individual figures for skirmish games like Sharp Practice or liquidate the remaining sprues.

Still Pending Assembly

It always feels good to have a plan and be able to see the light at the end of the tunnel.

Guilford's Courthouse (RFF AWI Variant) Part 2

After a lengthy break while Mark vacationed with family in sunny Florida the group reassembled to resolve this heated engagement.

Continentals re-establish control of the hill

You can find Part one here:

Gulford's Court House Part 1

We are using the Regimental Fire and Fury variant rules for AWI for this scenario.  If you recall the British have managed to roll up the Militia defenders with only a few militia units surviving.  The King's troops and are now facing the vaunted Continental third line under the direct command of Greene.

British close to close quarters

The Continentals had ventured forward last time to face the combined British and Hessian threat on the left with the support of the few Militia that made it back.  It was soon realized that this was a mistake as this new salient was now under fire from infantry as well as the Artillery Cornwallis had brought up.

British Artillery providing close support

The Continentals were able to withdraw, but sustained some serious casualties while inflicting casualties on the British attackers.  Both sides were now in heavy casualties and the the Americans had sustained greater losses.  As a result the game was a draw at this point as the Continentals held the key position.  The British only opportunity to win was to take the key position which was not impossible, but would be a hard road.

Continental right hold as British Legion charges.

Fortunately for Cornwallis the Americans were not able to inflict the casualties they previously had as the British units made their final assault.  It was now clear that the game was going to come down to the last turn and the Hessian unit was the last opportunity to snatch a victory away.

Final Assault goes in on turn 14 to decided the game

By the narrowest of Margins the Hessian broke through the Militia and with a break through charge were able to drive back the weakened continentals and gain the key position securing victory for the British and Lord Cornwallis.

Once again the group really enjoyed how RFF played for the AWI period.  We have provided some feedback to Rich (rules author) for some minor tweaks specifically on how cavalry could be adjusted for this period, but nothing that reduced our enjoyment of the game.

Playing this scenario reinvigorated my interest in the period.  So much so my next project is already underway.....Cowpens and the Southern Campaign.

Figure Storage Solution-Literature Mailing boxes

Recently I have had many inquires on the boxes I currently use to store my miniature collections.  As a result I decided to document it in one location so I can more easily share what I use.

Bolt Action Army in 2" box

Like many of you I have acquired a wonderful collection of "Toy Soldiers".  Once I started completing my armies in miniature I also faced the question of how will I store and transport them?

My Storage Closet-Left Side

My Storage Closet -Right Side

I went through a few phases with my various collections to include Plano style plastic boxes, various types of foam trays as well as storage cases designed specifically for miniature war gamers.   As my collection grew, I came to realize that these solutions were becoming unwieldy and in the case of foam and storage cases vary cost prohibitive.  When the cost of the foam could fund additional armies I decided to make a change.

A portion of Mark's Collection

I looked to my long time friend and gaming mentor Mark who has been in the hobby for decades.  I am not sure if Mark knows how many "Toy Soldiers" he owns or just does not want to admit it, but his sizable collection is in the tens of thousands ranging different scales and periods from Ancients through WWII.

Standard 3" box with magnetic sheet

Mark has been using a unique and very affordable method of figure storage for years.  He custom builds storage boxes in varying sizes using sturdy flat shipping boxes (Usually used for Literature) lined with magnetic sheet (similar to what is used for making magnetic signs).  Mark and the gaming crew order materials in bulk to have on hand and keep the cost even lower.   He then assembles as needed for himself and other members of the group when requested.  Actual cost per box is probably around $5 in materials, plus his labor for which I gladly pay him.

Bulk Magnetic sheet roll (Adhesive back)

The boxes can be purchased in a number of sizes depending on your collection.  I prefer to use all the same with are approx. 16" x 12" and then either 2 or 3"tall.  The boxes are all lined with a magnetic sheet (adhesive backed works best) which is ideal as all my figures are already on metal bases/washers.  Mark then goes the extra step by inserting a piece of wood in the front of the box which the box flap slides in between when closed.  This prevents the box flap from ever contacting and wearing on the figures that are safely stored inside.

Box Bottom templates used for cutting magnet sheet easily

To go a step further we have designed nice labels which make it very easy to identify the contents and look great.

Front edge of box with wood insert for box flap

As Mark's collection is very large he has even custom built shelving to the dimensions of the boxes. This way only so many boxes are stacked together.   The metal figures based on washers and metal bases can get quite heavy.  The boxes are very crush resistant, but I would not recommend stacking more than four high depending on weigh of each box to avoid any damage to the boxes on the bottom.

Assorted boxes ready for use

At this point the majority of my miniature collections are now stored this way, with the exception of those that are not based like planes and such.  I am even in the process of building boxes for my naval fleets.

Bottom of Team Yankee 6mm Box (Note inserts for shelf)

Top of Team Yankee 6mm box with shelf in place

The boxes are excellent for home storage and work very well for transporting figures although I would not suggest dropping them or turning them upside down (not that I have had experience).

28mm Vehicles and troops in 2" box

In addition to what Mark created I have come up with one additional inspiration.  Mark uses smaller size boxes for his 15mm collections.  I also have 6mm (Modern) and 10mm (ACW) forces.  Since I want to keep my boxes all the same size it seemed like a waste of space with the really small scale figures even in the 2" tall boxes.  My solution was to use a 3" box and insert a 2nd layer/tray so I can essentially store twice as many figures in one box.

ACW 10mm Bottom

ACW 10mm Top (drawer knob for easy lift out)

I did this by simply inserting 1.5" wide strips along the lower inside of the box and down the middle to support a shelf.  I used tag/matting board to cut the shelf to size and then simply attached a drawer knob to the center so I can easily lift off the top layer which snugly fits in.  All my 10mm and 6mm figs are under 1" tall, so the 1.5" height works great.  I am also in the process of doing this with my 1/2400 naval fleets as the mast are not that tall.

28mm F&IW figs in 3" box to accommodate flags

The boxes can be obtained from a number of vendors along with the bulk magnetic sheet.  I have also purchased the magnetic sheet from a local sign shop, but it was much more expensive going that route.

28mm Soviet vehicles and Cavalry in 3" box

A simple google search may be able to help you find a local retailer or online vendor.  Mark was not sure which company he ordered form last as he has ordered in bulk and they last awhile.


Here are a few links if you do decided to order in bulk to get you started (encourage you to shop around):
Boxes:
http://www.globalindustrial.com/g/packaging/boxes-cartons/CorrugatedLiterature-Bookfol/literature-mailers


Adhesive Magnetic rolls:
http://www.discountmagnet.com/categories/adhesive-magnetic-sheets/adhesive-magnet-rolls


In my opinion when compared to the cost of other solutions the cardboard boxes cannot be beat, especially if you have a sizeable collection.


Have Fun organizing your forces.

Guilford's Courthouse (RFF AWI Variant) Part 1

The last two weeks at Mark's the group has been engaged in the re fight of Guilford's Courthouse battle which took place March 15, 1781.  We are using the Regimental Fire and Fury rule system.  Rich, the author of RFF, was kind enough to share a rough draft of his take on the battle for us to test play.

Mark as usual was our gracious host and we are using his figures and terrain.  As always he set up a beautiful display and the armies are top notch.




Guilford Courthouse Scenario Map

Mark has arrayed the terrain a troops pretty close to the scenario map provided by Rich and had everything set for us when the crew arrived.  The first week we had a total of 6 players, so we divided 3 and 3.  I sided with Brian and Robert on the American side and took overall command and the 3rd line knowing we would not get that far, so I could observe and document the results.  Mark oversaw the British effort along with curt and Rob.

American First Line

American 2nd Line

Continentals in the 3rd Line with Greene

British forces und Cornwallis

The battle started out as it did historically with the American first line delivering some well placed shots and then falling back before the British could engage them in hand to hand.

The following turns then seemed to follow the pattern of the British moving up into range the Americans getting a shot off before falling back out of close combat range.

After receiving some sharp fire the Kings troops drop back out of range

Militia begin to fall back, but leave the gun exposed

British pounce and capture the Artillery

2nd Line of Militia Stands ready to engage

Militia continue to fall back after firing faster than the British can fire

Hotly engaged in an exchange of musketry

The American plan was working well with the exception that when the 1st line reached the 2nd American line instead of filing around the flanks the withdrawing militia choose to perform a passage of lines.  As they were Raw troops this immediately disordered both lines, as well as prevented the 2nd line from directly engaging the pursuing Red Coats with maximum fire power.

One last volley

General Green immediately recognized the error and sent our messengers to his subordinates not to attempt this maneuver when the reached the 3rd line or they would learn what "friendly fire" meant.

Continentals stand ready to face the oncoming British

This is where the action wrapped up the first night with the Militia in full retreat and the Red Coats hot on their tale with casualties mounting on both sides.

King's men are motivated, but the real challenge lies ahead

Week two saw the battle rejoin missing Rob and Robert, but we were joined by Stan and Brian and Scott.  Stan and Brian C. swore their allegiance to the Americans and Brian C. took over Roberts Command opposite Brian P. and Stan took command of the Delaware half the 3rd line with myself.

British drive the Militia before them

This is where things started to get pretty rough for the Americans.  As casualties mounted in the first and 2nd lines while they withdrew the small units quickly went from Fresh to worn and were soon in Heavy Casualties as well as Greater losses.  This resulted in many missed commands.

Militia do not fare well in hand to hand with the King's troops

The British adeptly saw their opportunity and pounced on the confused Militia engaging them in close combat when ever possible causing even more casualties and many units to break and run.

Few militia make it out of the woods

The surviving Militia commanders were directed to clear the fields of fire and reform on the flanks of the 3rd line.  It was time for the backbone of Greene's army, The continentals to bear the load and deliver the crushing blow to the approaching British.
The problem was the surviving militia were having difficulty disengaging the Brits once engaged in close combat.  When they did disengage it was usually because they had broke and run.  I was only a precious few survivors that  that were able to take up position on the flanks.

The Hessian are coming

As the last of the militia were pouring out of the woods the British artillery began to chip away at the Continental position causing some casualties early while the lone American gun attempted to counter battery fire until the militia could move out of the field and clear the lanes of fire.

Dress the lines

As the large Hessian command came out of the woods on the Americans left along with a few smaller elite British units.

Steady Boys!

As the Hessian attempted to charge the last of the American dragoons counter charged, but were dispatched handily by the Germans who proceeded to hit the militia line.  The Militia wavered, but did not break.

Failed Counter charge

Seeing that the left was holding a One of the Delaware regiments struck out on the offense and eliminated a British unit in hand to hand, but left itself exposed.

Here they come.....steady aim

On the right the militia did not do well at all.  All the remaining militia were destroyed or fled in the face of the oncoming Brits.  Greene thinking his right flank was secure was greatly surprised when an small unit of Tarleton's Legion dragoons suddenly charged the Virginians flank.  In a very controversial attack the Continentals held and the cavalry fell back.

Where did that cavalry come from?

At this point the battle is very much undecided.  The British have definitely inflicted greater losses on the Americans, but are close to heavy casualties themselves.  The Continentals are still in good shape and nowhere near heavy casualties and still firmly hold the key objective.

It will be a close run affair

The time was getting late, despite some desire to move forward we relented to leaving for the evening.  We all agreed it was to close to call and decided to leave the game in place until Mark returns from his Florida respite in a couple weeks.

More Americans on the casualty board then remain on the field.

Truly will be interesting to see how this one turns out.  It is a 1-1 draw right now for scenario points.  The British will likely take some more losses pushing them into heavy casualties.   This will force them to get a unit on to the key position by turn 14 in order to force a draw.  They would have to outright eliminate a Continental unit to force the 3rd line into heavy casualties to get the win.


It will be a nail bitter when we return......maybe Cornwallis will have to turn his guns on his own troops again to achieve the tactical victory.


More to come...........