Dave's Franco-Prussian birthday party

[Chris Pringle]

I occasionally see fellow gamers posting about having a wargames day to mark their birthdays. This seems an excellent custom. My good mate Dave hosted such an event last weekend and we celebrated his birthday in style with not one but two Franco-Prussian War battles (one imperial, one republican). Dave's and Phil's Pendraken collections were used to great effect. Some photos and reflections on the day here:
https://bloodybigbattles.blogspot.com/2024/05/daves-franco-prussian-birthday-party.html

[Duke Speedy of Leighton]

It's an excellent report! 

[fsn]

Excellent stuff.

I am not now thinking about late C19 European armies.   

[paulr]

   

Looking forward to the report on next year's celebrations

[kustenjaeger]

It's a very good idea and a good report.

I'm hoping that BBB Big Bash Day V inspires me to paint FPW/Italian independence forces in 10mm so I can do something similar (though I doubt I will do it in time for my next birthday!).

Edward

[Chris Pringle]

Thanks, chaps! 

I am not now thinking about late C19 European armies.   

I had noticed that egregious gap in your collection but was too polite to comment. But since you're thinking about the right period, why limit yourself to Europe? Surely you need some yellow-jacketed Bolivian cuirassiers?

I'm hoping that BBB Big Bash Day V inspires me to paint FPW/Italian independence forces in 10mm so I can do something similar (though I doubt I will do it in time for my next birthday!).

Let's talk on Sunday!

Chris

[fsn]

I had noticed that egregious gap in your collection but was too polite to comment. But since you're thinking about the right period, why limit yourself to Europe? Surely you need some yellow-jacketed Bolivian cuirassiers?

I have a sneaky hankering for a "Little Wars"/Charles Grant looking game in 10mm. I'd definitely get the band (FPX5), as there ought to be a martial music. Fortunately, although many European nations can be modelled using Pendraken ranges, I'm not happy with that I can create a suitably robust British force - though the Fenian range is a good start.   
 

[kustenjaeger]

The Bloody Big Battles Bash in Daventry on Sunday was a really good day and has made me think seriously about wargame birthdays - though maybe not on the day itself 😃.

I played Hanau (1813) and Villiers (1870).  Both were in 6mm but I definitely think 10mm is the way to go - for my eyesight at least.  With Villiers, the GM, Crispin, pointed out that he was giving us Bavarians as reinforcements as opposed to Saxons (as he didn't have Saxons). I can't say I could tell in 6mm without close perusal and I was too busy trying not to lose the German right flank at the time.

Edward

[d_Guy]

Really good stuff, Chris!