December 2012

Yazoo River ACW Naval AAR

Today a few members of the local HMGS-South group played out the historical action on the Yazoo River, July 15th, 1862. The Confederate ironclad Arkansas encountered the Union ironclad Carondelet, the gunboat Tyler and the ram Queen of the West. In this case, the Arkansas easily out-shot and ran past the Carondelet and Tyler, leaving the latter dead in the water. The Queen of the West then managed a perfect ram on the Arkansas and sank her.

The rules used were “Sail and Steam Navies: Naval Battle System 1840 to 1880.” The ship models were Thoroughbred 1/600 scale.

USS Tyler

The Union ships fail to stop the Arkansas with gunfire.

Tyler immobile and Carondelet trying to turn around.

More Klingon Battlecruisers

Six more Klingon battlecruisers using rescued HeroClix models (#11 I.K.S. Klothos). I found that the HeroClix bases easily popped apart and I glued the upright portions to 1.5 inch diameter wooden disks. The overall length of this model is about 64mm.

Johnny Reb III – Antietam

Saturday the local HMGS-South group played a game of Johnny Reb III, based on the action near Burnside’s Bridge at the battle of Antietam. Several Federal brigades attempt to take two bridges and find a ford over Antietam Creek.

Confederate position overlooking the southern bridge

Federal approach to the southern bridge and ford

Federal losses pile up on the southern bridge

Federal troops get across the southern bridge, but cannot hold there

Federal cavalry ready to cross the northern bridge after the defenders have been cleared

The ford is taken, but Confederate troops still cover the southern bridge

Gutshot Game – Tombstone Arizona 1881

Saturday the local HMGS-South group played a game of Gutshot, with additional role-playing elements, at the Dogs of War shop.

The game was set in Tombstone Arizona in the days leading up to the Gunfight at the OK Corral. Three factions (the Earps, the Clantons and the Cowboys) contest control of the town’s business (mostly illicit) in order to raise cash. The two leading factions will shoot it out at the OK Corral to determine the winner.

In this game the Earps made a bit of money on bets, but were otherwise law-abiding and fell behind financially. The Clantons and the Cowboys tried shaking down the local merchants in a protection racket, but were not making much. Johnny Ringo got shot by an irate merchant, which did not help his reputation. The Clantons did well in the entertainment business and stage coach robbery. The Cowboys ambushed some local bandits and cleaned up betting against one of their own in a boxing match. The final shootout was won by the Clantons, although both McLaurys died (a historical result).