This game fell hard on the heels of the previous 1914 game, and though dealing with rules published by the same company, deals with the very different 'Seven Days' modern version, which, to be fair, is very well written and explained, and VERY playable.
As usual at Steve's bunker, the battlefield is superb
This was another Attack/Defence scenario 200 (ish) pointer for the Soviet attackers; played without the cards.
The models were 3d printed editions from Butlers Printed Models and the Plastic Soldier Company Soviets that came out for the Battlegroup Northag rules last year.
Soviet Units begin to move, using cover as they can, knowing that the defending Leaopards will be where they least expect them
Ahh...here's one of them now
One lucky tanker makes it across the wheatfield
This platoon is a little more cautious
German defenders at the crossroads
Easy...easy...
Soviet dismounts
inching toward the high ground
Soviet dismounts dash across the road toward the chemical plant
If they can take this position, they can flank the crossroad objective
But Leopards love to do that old 'shoot and scoot' thing
The Soviets start to move on their left now
...as infantry assaults through the warehouse section of the chemical plant
NATO satellite footage
Small numbers of Germans...but they have MILANs
...just like that, as a BRDM pops from cover and is killed before it can shoot its Sagger load...
MILAN discipline is nothing if not effective
Soviet Sagger teams lose their wheels
A German Jaguar now shows itself and begins to take kills amongst the T-64s
...there are dangerous gaps in the cover...which the German MILANs exploit
But some accurate T-64 fire takes out the Jaguar
Soviet infantry desperately assaults the German infantry dug in, in the woods
bloody fighting ensues, but the Soviets carry the position
...with cover fire from the T-64s on the high ground
...even taking out a Leopard at long range
German defenders at the houses around the crossroads objective
bloody fighting at the woods
BTR covering fire
T-64s taking kills even now
Germans at the crossroads still
We didn't manage to get finished, though still a genuinely entertaining set of rules, with much to like. This set, in particular, does not appear to suffer from the degree of rules queries that we might see in 'Iron Cross' and '1916', though.
Now, these are from the same stable as 'Seven Days to the River Rhine' and 'Iron Cross', so activation is a thing.
A nice set, with some nuances and differences related to how machine guns work and companies thereby activate - though an interesting set.
None of these today ...but they were in the box
Two things struck me as memorable :
Stands are companies, so formations are battalions- always a good thing for BIG battles.
I was particularly interested in using the rules for East Africa stuff. I do like this segment of the period, and Peter has done some excellent work here with his own version of One Hour Wargames rules and some great scenarios and period feel.
A lot of discussion on rules interpretation, but the game was very entertaining nonetheless.
Miniatures used are 10mm Pendraken (I think) from 'da bruvaz' ' excellent collection(s).
French infantry in late uniforms sans les red trouseuuursss...
German infantry in late uniform mit keinen spikey helmets!
Linear deployment, but do not let that obscure the degree of move / counter-move that is coming
German guns
A German battalion deployed - complete with MG company, which can detach, pivot, or fire straight ahead
Movement on the French left
A lot of chits being used. There are slight differences in activation.
French guns
French moves in the centre as they are forced to cover from German fire on their left.
Moving troops take to cover as MG and Artillery fire start to take their toll. There are nice reserve rules to exchange lost units for fresh - which can really tip the odds when required for the losing player
Hill assault
Not at the battle...but in the box...
In the box...it'd just be rude not to take a pic...
We didn't get the game finished, but the rules were fascinating, for a period / genre which should see more interest. As I'd mentioned, the East African theatre does hold a lot of interest for me here.
