Dipping the Ol' Toes Back in to Test the Water. . .

A gun crew made up of Minden Prussians in the foreground, who have been painted in Palatinate uniforms, supported by another crew of RSM95 French artillery, painted, more or less, as mid-18th century Saxons.

Puttering around Zum Stollenkeller this afternoon, not really doing much, but enjoying myself nevertheless.  It occurred to me that I might get back into the swing of things by shooting and uploading a few photographs of those RSM and Minden gun crews that I've blathered on about (please forgive my rather conscious attempt at British diction here, but I've always loved the word 'blather') off and on for quite a few months now.  So, here they are with the not-quite-finished guns in the background.

The figures were finished in March earlier this year, and the painting was done with a combination of oil and acrylic washes over a white basecoat with full strength acrylics used for detailing. When everything was finished, some judicious black lining was added, the figures were glued to bases cut from artist's illustration board, which was painted the same latex green as my tabletop.  Then, everything got two coats of gloss varnish for that nice, pleasing old school appearance.  Voila!  Is it 1972?  Or is it 2012?  Freaky deaky, man!  

The completed figures are not minutely detailed, shaded, and highlighted-to-death museum pieces, of course, but I am rather pleased with their Doug Mason-like appearance, which was my intention.  They bring to mind many delightful photos of Mr. Mason's brushwork -- sure, those were usually Napoleonics -- that graced the pages of Miniature Wargames and early issues of Wargames Illustrated so many years ago.

Here's an aerial shot for good measure, inspired by the famous opening scene -- done in a single take mind you -- in Orson Well's Film Noir masterpiece A Touch of Evil.  Hmmm. . .  I need to find a 30mm Janet Leigh and Charleton Heston!

Finally, lurking in the background, you can see a few of those Minden and RSM Croats that I'll work on over the next couple of months in the latest painting challenge.  And if things REALLY move along nicely this summer, I might even have a go at tackling some of those mounted officers just behind the bottles and tins of paint.  This time, I am thinking of doing several small command vignettes of two and three figures, very much in the style of Mr. Mason and Phil Olley, to add some visual interest to the tabletop, etc., etc.

And one final shot of the two gun crews, which will form a composite battery, or operate independently of each other as the case may be in my ongoing Grand Duchy of Stollen campaign.

The fog begins to lift from over the Grand Duchy of Stollen. . .

 The light, the light!  I can see the light!

Ah. . . the summer vacation approaches, and there is a little bit of light at the end of the metaphoric tunnel!  My daily teaching commitments and May Term are finished as of Thursday the 24th!  And just in time for the next 60-day painting challenge, which starts that day and was proposed recently by a loose association of wargaming friends and acquaintances around the globe.  So, besides finally having some time to renew the stalled Neu Sittangbad game with General de Latte, I have pledged to complete (yes, FINISH, darn it!) the painting of two RSM95 cannon -- for an RSM crew painted as mid-18th century Saxons (more or less) and a group of Minden figures painted in rather more somber Palatinate uniforms -- and that 32-strong unit of RSM/Minden Croats, which have been gathering dust over on the painting table since late winter.  

As soon as the battery has recharged for my camera, I'll post a couple of photos of the RSM and Minden crews, which were completed in early March when painting ground to a halt and gaming began to slow down due to the pressures of teaching recalcitrant undergraduates.  But, almost three months of summer vacation beckon.  Time to slow down, open the windows, recharge, get back on the bicycle, spend time with the Grand Duchess and Young Master Paul, paint a little, game a little, resume my night owl habits for a while, read for pleasure, and make a few batches of my maternal grandfather's North Carolina Piedmont-style pork barbecue and red slaw with hush puppies.  I'll make the inaugural batch for 2012 in two weeks, during the Memorial Day holiday weekend here in the U.S.  Mmmm. . .   I'm getting very hungry just thinking about it.

Even more exciting, we are finally coming to serious grips with our backyard after four years in the current Stollen Central, so with any luck by mid-July, our front- and backyards will be leafy and rather more groomed in appearance than has been the case so far.  After three years of  reseeding and other difficult yardwork, the grass in both places already looks highly promising.  Funny, the silly, inconsequential things one becomes focused on as a homeowner!

Splash! Gulp, cough, sputter. . .

When I was about eight years old, through most of 1975, I had a music teacher in elementary school, one Mrs. Kaiser.  She was, even then, a lady of a certain advanced age, who actually taught my class how to dance The Minuet (depicted above).  We absolutely hated it at the time, of course, at least the boys in the class did.  Or they pretended to.  But I wish I could remember the dance now simply as a curiosity piece.  My wife the Grand Duchess, however, might suggest that I am already eccentric enough without adding that to the mix! 

Just a brief post to apologize to my long suffering and very patient opponent, General de Latte, for my disappearance these last couple of months.  Real life has me swamped.  Ok, drowning in various details, duties, and commitments that are the complicated minuet making up my life recently.  Sadly, wargaming and related hobby activities have fallen through the cracks.  Besides family life, with all of the highs and lows that entails, I am teaching another May Term film course -- which meets daily for four weeks, three hours at a time -- and developing another (rush delivery) for administrative approval, to be taught in the fall.  Well, starting in August, really.  Geeze, Louise!  Summer vacation hasn't even started yet.

Then, there have been various writing projects on the table in different stages of completion, something that goes with the territory.  You work a little here, revise a little there, delete quite a bit there, etc., etc.  On a hobby-related note though, my article "Simplify Your Painting!  24 Tips to Help You Paint and Complete Tabletop Armies Faster and More Easily" appeared recently in Battlegames #29.  Shameless self-promotion, yes, but I'm reasonably pleased with the piece which, for some odd reason, took quite a while to come together before I could submit it for consideration.  Hopefully, it will be received well and might even help a few wargamers out there with their own painting.

Ok, it's on to my morning class planning now.  Sigh.  But the good General de Latte and I should be able to resume the Battle for Neu Sittangbad before too much more time has elapsed.  And I see that the Grand Duchy of Stollen blog is only a few posts away from the 1000th post, which should warrant some kind of small celebration or exhibition here in some form or other.  Watch for that in the coming days and weeks.

-- Von Tschatschke

The Stalled Battle for Neu Sittangbad: Not Dead, Just on Hold for a Little Longer. . .

The late  Grand Ducal Feline, the sorely missed Princess Rannveig I.  August 1994-April 20, 2012.

As suggested by my post title above, things have been on hold here at Stollen Central for a few weeks as real life has intervened in oh so many ways, getting in the way of virtually all gaming and painting since before the Easter Holiday.  An endless morass of student projects that have needed reading, grading, and commentary (the worst papers usually require more of the latter), an unforeseen and expensive problem with replastering one of the kitchen walls, etc., etc., etc.  Hopefully, after this weekend, with another batch of mostly mediocre student papers, things will relax a bit and some time will become available for more fun things in life once again, like wargaming and continuing with Neu Sittangbad.

Saddest of all, we finally had to make that tough decision late last night to have our aging and ailing cat 'Rannveig' put to sleep at the all-night emergency animal hospital, following a diagnosis two months ago of advanced cancer in her chest and abdomen.  It was not unexpected, and we had considerably longer with her than our veterinarian gave us reason to expect in February, but finally confronting the inevitable was difficult.   

Named after a character in an Icelandic saga, Rannveig was a great companion with an absolutely huge personality, who lived with me for over 17 years.  She actually shed tears when I returned from Norway after a year abroad in 2000, to pick her up at my parents' house and move on to Minneapolis, Minnesota with her.  My wife and I also credit Rannveig with bringing us together in early 2001 because the Grand Duchess was the only woman that Rannveig tolerated for longer than a few minutes.  The stories I could tell, but Rannveig and Sonja became fast friends when the latter immediately began speaking German to the former when they first met after a morning of skiing in February '01.  In any case, Rannveig finally allowed out toddler son, Young Master Paul, to pet and stroke her as she purred yesterday morning while the two sat together on the kitchen floor after their respective breakfasts, so I like to think that she left us on a relatively good note.

Please watch for additional firefight results and new orders from the generals von Tschatschke and de Latte respectively right here later in the week! 

A few days later. . .

 

It's the weirdest thing.  And it will sound crazy.  But both my wife and I could swear that we have heard the familiar jingle of Rannveig's name and vaccination collar tags many times since her unfortunate demise last week.  It's not creepy, just a pleasant, comfortable sound in the background as we move through the house during our daily/nightly activities.  I'm normally not a superstitious person, but there are certainly enough stories around about convergences between the physical and the spiritual worlds.  It would not surprise me at all if Rannveig weren't still with us in some form.

The Battle Takes Shape at the Start of Turn Five. . .

 General von Tschatschke's 4th Dragoons act fast at the start of Turn Five and move forward 24" to retake the guns that were abandoned by their crew during the melee at the end of Turn Four.

 

 In this second artist's rendering, you'll note that the dragoons are firmly in possession of the guns and, barring any unforeseen developments, will be able to drag them to the rear during Turn Six where their remaining disgraced crew crew awaits.

Meanwhile, across the Sittangtal, just to the north of Neu Sittangbad, von Tschatschke's Anspach-Bayreuth Curassiers have withdrawn a full 24" to the very banks of the river where they will cover approaching  allied troops, who are in the midst of breaking off with the enemy Zichenauers, withdrawing through the town, and escaping across the toll bridge to fight another day.

 Here, we can see the newly formed front line of General von Tschatschke's army, anchored on either side of the earthworks, which were erected just outside the main gate into Neu Sittangbad before the battle commenced.  In the foreground, are the remaining 2nd (Von Laurenz) Musketeers, the independent company of the Wolmar-Bock Regiment occupies the earthworks in the middle distance, and the badly shaken, but reformed, Leib (Grand Duchess Sonja's Own) Grenadiers are visible at the far end of the line along with a few errant artillerymen. . .  Those grey-coated ne'er-do-wells!

Next, we see a Stollenian engineer officer and NCO, who are now in position and waiting for the order to blow the toll bridge, preventing an easy advance by General de Latte's Zichenauer horde into the heart of Stollenian territory.  I hope there is no miscommunication that might lead to a premature demolition of the bridge before the bulk of the Stollenian army and the supplies held within Neu Sittangbad are evacuated safely across the river.

At the same time, the evil and twisted General de Latte is attempting to form a cohesive front line of battle, to advance on the enemy troops occupying the ground between his own army and Neu Sittangbad.  In the distance, you'll observe the reformed Mittau Volunteers in scarlet along with von Flickenhoffer's Fusiliers in creamy white and a few of the elite Ermland Garde at the far right.

Here is another illustration, sketched from a slightly different perspective, that shows Colonel von Flickenhoffer's men scrambling to close ranks with the Ermland Garde to their immediate right.

And here is a panoramic view of the Zichenauer army as they advance on the Stollenians and Neu Siattangbad beyond.

Next, you'll see the Ermland Garde up close as they advance on the Stollenian left flank.  O'Malley's Irish Grenzers, some artillery, and a few cavalry are in the background with each attempting to fulfill various and yet related tasks in their misguided bid to defeat General von Tschatschke's army and drive it from Neu Sittangbad.

Above, you'll note just how close the opposing lines of infantry have come five turns into the Battle for Neu Sittangbad.  Three companies of the Ermland Garde are now within musketry range -- 12" -- of Stollen's Wolmar-Bock Regiment (in the earthworks) and the 2nd (von Laurenz) Musketeers.

Elsewhere on the battlefield, the remaining two regiments in General de Latte's cavalry brigade are approaching, to support the Mittau Volunteers and the remaining 11th Hussards.  Here, you can see  the Trumbach Dragoons and Horse Grenadiers giving wide berth to the remaining Stollenian Jaeger zu Fuss, who still occupy EispickeVillage.

Speak of the devil!  Here, we see the remaining hussars, down to only 13 in strength from their original 30.  Hmmmm. . .  Isn't their a 50% rule we need to apply?  Hmmmm again. . .  And might the Stollenain Jaeger zu Fuss in Eispicke be down to 50% of their original strength too?  Both cases certainly need a closer look before Turn Five concludes.

Across the Sittangtal, on the northern edge of the valley,  Colonel Thomas O'Malley and his trusty Irish Grenzers have infiltrated most of the woods atop the ridge and will shortly be in a position to deliver a wicked fusillade of skirmish fire into the flank of  the 2nd (von Laurenz) Musketeers.  Perchance during Turn Six?

 Finally, here are General de Latte's remaining two batteries of guns and crew, marching in support of the front line and in search of a suitable area to deploy for battle.  You will also notice the tail end of the cavalry column in route to the far side of the battlefield to support General de Latte's left flank.

Move Five Orders in the Continuing Battle for Neu Sittangbad. . .

"Ah, there you are old camel saddle!" remarked General von Tschatschke as a disheveled General de Latte emerged into the bright mid-afternoon light of the drawing room.  "Feeling better?"

"The less said the better, my dear von Tschatschke," replied de Latte sheepishly, "The less said the better.  I see your troops have withdrawn on your right flank a full move's distance in my absence."

"Yes, damn bad show that," agreed von Tschatschke.  "Seems my Leib Grenadiers and artillery crew lack fortitude when faced with men in funny hats and brightly-colored girdles atop horses.  Still, they may rally yet."

"Doesn't look good in the meantime though, does it?" observed de Latte.  "Now, how about those orders for Move Five, old shoe horn?"

"I thought you'd never ask," said General von Tschatschke enthusiastically.  Here are mine:


1 ) The 4^th Dragoons will move up 24” to plug the hole left by those scallywags the Leib Grenadiers and charge the Mittau Volunteers at the first available opportunity.

2) The Leib Grenadiers will rally and reform into line just to the right of the earthworks before Neu Sittangbad to support the dragoons.  Secondarily, they will attempt to regain the guns if these have not yet been lost.  Thirdly, they will prepare for a fighting withdrawal in the general direction of the toll bridge.

3) At the center of the field, the von Laurenz Musketeers will withdraw  12”toward Neu Sittangbad.

4) The Anspach-Bayreuth Cuirassiers will withdraw 24” to the north of Neu Sittangbad and in the direction of the toll bridge, covering the von Laurenz Musketeers in the process.

5) The single company of the Wolmar-Bock Regiment will remain in the redoubt and cover friendly troops as they make their way through town and toward the toll bridge.

6) The Engineer Battalion across the river will dispatch an officer and sergeant to the bridge, where they will wait for orders to detonate AFTER the rest of the army has crossed to safety.

7) The remaining gunners will rally and attempt to regain their guns, if possible, during Turn Six before joining the withdrawal toward the river and toll bridge.


"I think you'll agree these seem like tactically astute plans, eh de Latte?"

"Steady on, old billiard chalk!  Steady on!" cautioned General de Latte.  "Here are my orders for Move Five:

 
1) The Mittau Volunteers (who are having a jolly busy time of it) will advance upon the guns. They will form a new line, their left flank resting on the marsh.

2) The Mittau light company shall join them, forming two deep line as they arrive. The will be that part of the line resting on the marsh.

3) The cavalry brigade will form up in the rear of the Mittau Vols in support.

4) The Ermlanders will either open fire on their opposite numbers (von Laurenz) or advance to do so.

5) The Fusiliers will pivot 90 degrees on their right flank to enfilade the von Laurenz Musketeers. Mittau will protect the flank.

6) The artillery batteries on the right will attempt to find firing positions and move up to them.

7) The Battery on my left shall continue pounding the jaegers bottled up in Eisepicke.

7.5) Ooops, forgot O'Malleys. That portion which can fire upon von Laurenz will do so whilst those who cannot will infiltrate further into the woods with an aim to be in firing range by Move Six.

8) The rest of the army shall advance. The von Auflauf and Pioneers making for the centre of my infantry line, deployed in line.


"Clear enough?" inquired de Latte.  "Blimey, we are at the crunch!"

"As a bell," answered von Tschatchke tartly.  "And," he added with a note of distaste in his voice, "I'll thank you not to crow about it."  Seeing a ready opportunity to goad his host further, de Latte continued, the unpleasant outcome of his recent indulgences all but forgotten.

"At the end of this move, I expect my infantry will form a kind of "Z" shape albeit the 'hinges' will be at right angles rather than anything more acute," explained the Frenchman, grinning broadly.

"There's nothing cute about it, old fellow, nothing cute at all!" grumbled von Tschatschke, who produced another Cuban cigar from his inner coat pocket with great flourish and attempted to light it.  "Blast!  I'm out of matches again.  Must take my valet to task about that.  You just can't get find good help anymore, de Latte.  In my day, valets were valets and stayed on top of details like that.  To say nothing of the rest of the household staff.  It's a damn sad state of affairs.  Damn sad, I tell you.  Might just have to let old Totenhosen go after this, but we'll see.  He may redeem himself yet.  I say, de Latte," began von Tschatschke as he fumbled absentmindedly through his waistcoat pockets, "Have you got a light?"

Turn Four in the Battle for Neu Sittangbad: The Melee Resolved. . .

While General de Latte attempts to collect himself and recover from his blinding hangover, the situation for Stollen and General von Tschatschke on the wargaming table has taken a turn for the worse, following the melee at the end of Turn Four.  In short, the Stollenian right flank, while suffering only light casualties, has crumbled. 

Above, you'll observe the flower of the Stollenian Army, the elite Leib (Grand Duchess Sonja's Own) Grenadiers, along with some artillery crew, in full flight toward the relative safety of Neu Sittangbad. 

Disgrace!  The abandoned Stollenian guns are now ripe for the plucking by General de Latte's Mittau Volunteers.

General de Latte's 11th Hussards, while suffering moderate to heavy casualties themselves in the melee that ensued at the close of Turn Four, nevertheless managed to cause considerable panic along the right wing of General von Tschatschke's front line and left a wave of havoc in their wake.  In the photograph above, the remaining hussars manage to rally in the vicinity of Eispicke Village, covered by the Mittau Volunteers.

General von Tschatschke (in pink), "The Flamboyant Silesian," is now faced with an extremely tough command decision to make.  Attempt to regain his lost guns and continue the battle for Neu Sittangbad?  Or make a fighting withdrawal through the town and across the river, blowing the bridge after the last of his army has crossed it?  Tune in for Turn Five to find out!