Today was Stand To at the Locomotion Railway Museum in Shildon. It was also the inaugural game for the full Ottoman Turkish Army.
Its hard to classify Stand To as a Wargames Show in the true sense of the word, given that entrance is free [yes free] the majority of people who attend the museum, are usually there to see the trains, there is usually only a small number of traders and the venue is well lit and warm. [ The last bit is a bit of playful devilishness by me] But actually I think the place is a very good venue because it is very well lit, the parking is good, and free, the cafe is also well run, although not the cheapest and the place does have stuff to see, ie very large trains.
The set up I chose was a battle between the forces of the Republic of Venice against the invading Ottoman Turks, during their war in Greece. The war ended with the Venetians losing a lot of their colonies. The rules used were Pike and Shotte, which fairly rattle along and take very little to pick up again after a long lay off.
I have to admit that John, Neil and Colin did most of the actual fighting whilst I attempted to give out handouts and explain history to young people who didnt have much idea about, well history. It wasn't that they weren't interested, because they were, its just that they don't have a grounding in a lot of subjects such as history and geography. Still I think we did okay, and the public were genuinely interested in what we were doing.
The Turks are a difficult army to use, but also can be difficult to fight. John managed very well, me personally spent a lot of time being peppered with arrows by Akinji. The intention was for the game to be colourful, and hopefully interesting, without being taken too seriously by the players. I think we managed that.
The centre comprising the Janissarys, finally got to move, but only when the battle was already over for the Turks.
I had to include the photograph below, as it showed the extent of Neil's dice throwing when his Spahis faced down a unit of Venetian mercenary gendarmes. No hits there. His unit duly fled after being bowled over. More bother for them 50 virgins.
My command figure, which managed to 'blunder several times. So nothing new in that then. Anyway, I hope any person who attend the museum enjoyed what they saw, and hopefully the organisers can build on what they have started.
Great looking game!
ReplyDeleteThanks very much, the Turks are a difficult army to handle.
DeleteGlad the day went well, I was going to come through but I have to pick up some painted figures at Fiasco next week! Maybe next year! Did you get chance to look around did you see many gamers.
ReplyDeleteEvening Graham,
DeleteI am intrigued about what you are picking up. I never got much oppourtunity to mingle, although I did talk to quite a few people. I really think the venue has potential, especially the lighting and actual building.
That looks like a great game, and an interesting part of renaissance warfare to show as well, Ottomans vs the Venetians
ReplyDeleteThanks Oli,
DeleteThe Turks would be overwhelmed by a decent renaissance French or Spanish army, but against the Italians things are a bit more even. The Akinji ran rings around my heavy cavalry.
I popped along today seeing as the boy likes trains, I managed to get a pass for the day and permission to drive a couple of hours too. Really liked your game, also especially enjoyed your over-burdened attic crack. I think mine is going the same way.
ReplyDeleteDo you have contact details for the show organisers? I would like to A/ Offer my congratulations and B/ Volunteer a game for next year.
They man to speak to is Ken, of Wear Valley Wargamers,
DeleteTry the following e mail; wearvalleygamers@gmail.com.
I still worry about the weight, especially if I am organising a large game. The span of the joists is ate their maximum, which was something I never took into account when I was drawing up my wish list.
Looks like a great game, beautiful and colored armies...Rennaissance is really a wonderful period to play!
ReplyDeleteThanks Phil,
DeleteThe Pike and Shotte rules work really well for the period, and give a flowing and quick game.
Robbie You make a fine and valid point about lack of basic grounding. I come across it all of the time- even adults not knowing where countries actually are in relation to each other. Jets and holidays do that- you get in a pressurised box get out of it an hour or so later and you are somewhere else- without any real idea of how you got there... So where isGreece or Croatia or Macedonia on the map- or indeed Switrzeland- all of which I've had to explain at various times.
ReplyDeleteNice looking display BTWE- MUST beff up muy own turks .....
I know I am getting old, but I do remember a very large World map on the wall in my classroom at junior school, with capitals and cities all over it.
DeleteMind it was also painted mainly red to show where the Empire had been. Somebody would have the vapours now if they saw such a thing.
Two great looking renaissance armies, great mix of figures I'm still not sure about pike and shot, I've been using it for ECW just not sure about the great Italian War as I've got to start basing soon and I don't want to do it twice!
ReplyDeleteAll the best Iain
Iain,
DeleteThe only other Renaissance rules I ever used were the old George Gush ones, which I loved. However the charts and factors spoiled it somewhat. The beauty for me with Pike and Shotte is that they are very easy to pick up, and where things dont seem right are easily amended. In a proper game, I have found them giving a decent feel to the period.
It was a good job that you lads put such a good demo game on, there wouldn't have been much else to drool over. I had a good time though, spent a bit of money and even got Rod Stewarts autograph.
ReplyDeleteEvening Paul,
DeleteI only wish Rod had attended. I am actually a Rod Stewart nut. I know what your saying, but I think there is great potential ate the show. I do like the venue, and the heating and lighting makes it far better than a lot of larger shows.
I will be at the Middlesbrough show in November with a different game, so I hope to see you there.
Superb game and superb figures!
ReplyDeleteThats very kind of you. This was only a percentage of my renaissance armies. As usual I over did the buying of figures and still have a great number to paint. Really a very typical wargamer.
DeleteYes, I understand you. Because I've been doing well :)
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