Bolt Action in Action

I finally have completed enough miniatures to play Bolt Action.  My goal was to complete two basic Armies by March, but life interfered.  Ryan and I have played two games now: a 500 point game and an 830 point game.

Last night, my Heer army was crushed by the M4 Sherman.  I think bad luck on the dice contributed, along with some deployment choices that left me in the open. We played the Envelopment scenario, with Ryan playing the Ammies on defense.

American List Basics

2d Lt and 1 man
4 infantry squads (three with 7 men and BARs, one squad with 6 men and ATGs, but no BAR)
Light Mortar
HMG Team
Sniper Team
Air Force Observer
75MM M4 Sherman

All US units were regular, except the Observer who was Veteran.

German List Basics

2d Lt (Regular)
2 Heer Regular Grenadier Squads (LMGs, 2 Panzerfausts in each squad)

Capt +1 man (Veteran)
1 Veteran Grenadier Squad (LMG, 2 Panzerfausts)
1 Veteran Grenadier Squad (LMG)

Light Artillery (Reg)
MMG Team (Reg)
Sd.Kfz.231 Armored Car (Reg)

Highlights

Ryan brought his Sherman on to the table with his first move and proceeded to chew up my infantry with the two MGs and main gun.  I also lost soldiers to his two infantry squads on his right flank. 

I tried to get my Panzerfausts in close, losing one entire squad to the HMG and infantry.  I did get two of the weapons within 6 inches of the Sherman…both missed.

We played four turns before I threw in the towel having lost five entire units.  I was disheartened to learn that my light artillery can only pin his tank; there is no chance of a penetration.  I did score a hit at the end of the game with the arty, but it didn't make a difference.  We will play a few more times before I start altering the lists.  I suspect some of my misfortune reflects playing skill and an exceptionally bad day of dice throwing.  If not, I'll build the Panther model that is in the closet!

Bolt Action - US Army Infantry

Since I have last posted, I finished my US Army infantry for Bolt Action, and I have made significant progress on the Germans. The leg infantry are Wargames Factory figures; the crew-served weapons are Warlord Games products.

Basing

For the crew-served weapons, I based the units on chipboard, using South Korean 100 Won coins for the figure bases.  I used wood filler for the terrain base.

Modifications

As noted previously, I built the Wargames Factory figures in my hotel on a busy trip, with no reference to the Army lists.  Having spent time developing several force options, I decided to modify several figures to create an Air Forward Observer unit.  The Americans receive two air strikes per game with this unit.  I carved up a backpack, included as stowage in the M4 Sherman kit, to create a radio base and handset.  I melted and stretched sprue for the radio cable and antenna. The radio isn't accurate enough to win a modeling competition, but it looks fine on the war-game table.

Finished Platoon

My Americans are ready for battle, but I eventually need to add an aircraft model. I used a mixture of Vallejo, Tamiya, and craft acrylics on the models.  I applied a base coat, used Citadel Earth shade wash for shading, and applied highlights. 

Once my German force is complete, I plan to add the aircraft, a scout vehicle, and possible some trucks to round out this Late War platoon.

Halfway Hill

Distractions

I have not blogged in awhile, but I have been making progress on several projects.  I have also been significantly distracted by World of Tanks, an online game that I play with my son.  I'm not a video game fan normally, but the game is quite fun.  The historical aspect has also pulled me in.

Halfway Hill

I have several ongoing modeling efforts at the "halfway point"

Warmachine

Ryan and I are halfway done with painting up two Warmachine Armies from the starter box. 

Painting is also complete on a Convergence of Cyriss battlegroup, but the basing work is only halfway done.

This hasn't stopped us from playing.  

Ryan once again quickly defeated me this morning - taking out my Warcaster early in the game.

Bolt Action

I have my US infantry primed up.  I also have started work on the bases for the HMG and 60mm Mortar.  I'm planning a separate post on this project once it is complete.

I scored a good deal on a Squadron sale of 1/48 Hobby Boss Shermans.  I couldn't resist starting the model build.  

A warning for anyone building Hobby Boss tanks - watch out for needless steps.  The mid-production 75mm Sherman has several options for road wheels, but the instructions are not clear.  I almost built extra road wheels....a tedious effort.

As a secondary distraction, I discovered that the Tamiya 1/48 models can be bought significantly cheaper here in Korea than from US websites.  I'm tempted to shift my BA plans from the Japanese to a  German opponent to keep costs down.

DBA

I have MDF-based road and river pieces ready for finishing.  This project has been on hold since the BA and Warmachine bugs bit.

Napoleonics

I haven't touched my 15mm Napoleonic project in almost a year.  This isn't a priority since I don't really  have an opponent. Ryan likes DBA and skirmish games.

Lots of fun ahead!

Minor Mods

My desire for variety overcame trepidation about attempting figure conversions.  Carving up a few Wargames Factory figures turned out to be easy.  I kept it simple.

I would rather not have several "guy throwing grenade" figures, but I could not find another arm configuration that worked for this torso. To change up the pose slightly, I cut off the "finger pointing hand" on the straightest arm in the pack, replacing with a gripping hand. I used an M1 rifle with ammo pouches on the stock as the weapon. The pose looks a bit stiff, but I can live with it.

I also wanted to model a standing figure with the anti-tank grenade equipped rifle, but the arm angle would not work. Cutting off and repositioning the hand proved very easy.

Overall, I am happy with the results. I am looking forward to getting home next week with figures ready for painting. I ordered some Warlord Games units yesterday for my American force, so I should be playing pretty soon.

In closing, it has been a somber day here in Washington, DC, as I reflect on the losses on 9/11 and afterward.

Jet Lag Modeling

For the second time, I brought a wargame project along on a trip back to the States. I always suffer from jet lag, waking up around 3 AM. Working on a project is better than watching infomercials.

I am assembling my Wargames Factory WWII Americans for Bolt Action. The package contains 30 soldiers, and I will be able to field three infantry squads, an officer, and a sniper.

28mm WW II Americans

This is only my second 28mm plastic model effort, the other one being our recently acquired Warmachines models. The details look good, but I was disappointed by the lack of flexibility with the poses and weapons. The box includes a sprue full of weapons, but the figure sprue lacked right arms with open hands. All the right arms have molded in weapons, binos, etc. I am not ready to try converting the figures. In any case, there are enough options to meet my needs.  The assembly went smoothly, but I learned that getting both arms positioned can require patience when gluing.

Work in Progress

I should finish the whole set on this trip. I may wait on the small packs and canteens, given my lack of tweezers. Bolt Action coming soon!

Armies of Imperial Japan

My hotel wifi is unreliable, so I will be disciplined and brief in this review. Interestingly, I am writing this post from a joint US-Japanese base near Tokyo.

BLUF

The Imperial Japanese Army supplement for Bolt Action captures the essence of the Pacific War in its equipment, unit, and theatre selector lists.

Strengths

The supplement captures the spirit of the Japanese well in its National Characteristics, and I think the key infantry formations were covered effectively. The equipment list is quite comprehensive. If you want strong tanks, the IJA is not for you.

The progression of theatres from the Japanese thrust into China, SE Asia, and finally the Pacific Isles captures the state of the Japanese forces well. Likewise, the defensive campaign, to include home island defensive plans, hits the key battles effectively.

Weaknesses

If the theatres were expanded, I would have appreciated more coverage of China, Early fights with Russia, and New Guinea. I also think the bicycle rule should be limited to theaters were bikes were used.

There were a few typos for transliterated Japanese.

As you can see, the strengths clearly outweighed the weaknesses.  I will be buying figs soon to get started on a Guadalcanal-focused set of armies.

Starter List

Here's a 500 point list based on that critical island fight.

(R)egular 2d Lt + 2 riflemen   70 points

R 1st IJA squad (NCO, 6 riflemen, 2 man LMG team)    90

R 2nd IJA squad (NCO, 6 riflemen, 1 ATG rifleman)    82

R IJA Grenadier Squad (NCO, 5 rifles, 2 2-man knee mortar teams) 150

R Sniper team   50

(I)nexperienced Type 92 70mm Infantry Gun.   32

(I)nexperienced Light Truck (for Tow).  25

Total 499 points

 

Japanese 500 Point List

Built around Warlord Games' Imperial Japanese boxed set (Warlord Games store site), this 500 point list will make a good opponent for the 168th Infantry on Guadalcanal.  I can add more infantry squads and heavy weapons to create a 1000 point Army later.

The IJA list:

• 1st Lt and 2 men - Regular (R) - 85 points
• Air Force Forward Observer - R - 75
• 1st Squad (NCO, 7 riflemen, 2-man LMG team) - R - 100
• 2nd Squad (NCO, 7 riflemen, 2-man LMG team) - R - 100
• Type 92 MMG team- R - 50
• Light Mortar team. - R - 35
• Type 92 70mm Gun - Inexperienced (I) - 32
• Truck (for Tow) - I - 33
• Total Points: 500

In addition to the boxed set, I will need to buy an infantry squad, the 70mm gun, and truck. The MMG and Lt Mortar teams both lack the third crewmen needed to comply with the rules. Warlord recently released new USMC figures to correct a similar discrepancy, so I hope they do the same for the Japanese at some point. 

When expanding the list later, I would add a tank, of course.

168th Infantry Regt Army List

I have sketched out a Bolt Action 500 point list based on the 164th Infantry's early actions on Guadalcanal.

The list is based around the Wargames Factory American Army set, which includes 30 figures.  The Wargames Factory set represents Late War Americans, an imprecision that I am willing to accept.

• 1st Lt plus two soldiers - Inexperienced - 74 points
• 1st Squad (8 men incl NCO with SMG, 1 BAR, 1 antitank grenade) - Inexperienced - 66
• 2nd Squad (8 men incl NCO w/SMG, 1 BAR, 2 antitank grenades) - Inexperienced - 68
• 3d Squad (7 men incl NCOw/SMG, 1 BAR) - Inexperienced - 57
• HMG Team - Inexperienced - 49
• 37mm Antitank Gun  - Regular - 50
• Jeep (for tow) - Regular- 21
• M3A1 Stuart -  Regular - 115

Both Company B and Old Glory make an M3A1 Stuart tank model, an uncommon vehicle.

This list captures the essence of 168th operations on Guadalcanal, and I could add a Marine platoon later to create a 1000 point list. Now it is time to work out an opposing Japanese list!

1/72 Bolt Action?

I'm toying with the idea of playing Bolt Action in 1/72 scale, instead of the recommended 28mm scale.  I may end up buying test figures in both scales as a comparison.

28mm Pros

• If I ever play at conventions or tournaments, this will be the standard size.
• Larger figures will be a nice change from 15mm.
• Larger scale is visually appealing.

1/72 (20mm) Pros

• Significantly less expensive than 28mm.
• Figures have less of a heroic figure.
• Will look better, visually, on my smaller table here in Korea.
• May be able to use for Blitzkrieg Commander or other WW II rulesets, too.

In an earlier post, I laid out the cost differences for various 28mm armies.  A 1000 point German Wehrmacht veteran force consisting of three squads, two support units, a Hanomag halftrack, and a Panzer IV would run $82.  Downgrading the infantry to regular training would allow be to throw in a second Hanomag, costing $104, and keeping the force around 1000 points.

Going with the Plastic Soldier Company's 1/72 figures, I could purchase one infantry box, one heavy weapons box, three Hanomags, and three Panzer IVs for $70.  This set would allow me to easily field the same 1000 point force.  In fact, I could field two full platoons with three halftracks and two tanks, as listed below, with figures remaining.

Wehrmacht German Force (Regular Rating)
1st Platoon (Motorized)			2nd Platoon
	1st Lt			1st Lt
	Medic			Medic
	Forward Observer			Forward Observer
Three Infantry Squads			Three Infantry Squads
each with	NCO w/SMG		each with	NCO w/SMG
	Soldier with SMG			4 Riflemen
	3 Riflemen			LMG Team
	2 Panzer Faust
	LMG Team
Weapons Squad			Weapons Squad
	MMG Team			MMG Team
	120mm Mortar			80mm Mortar
	Panzerschreck			Panzerschreck
Transport			Transport
	3 Hanomag			None
Armor			Armor
	Panzer IV			Panzer IV
Total Points Value				1964

Armor Platoon Comparisons

Warlord Games recently provided a new rule for Bolt Action on their website, allowing you to fight with Armoured Platoons.  The basic platoon is three tanks.  For any infantry or weapons support, you must provide transports for all elements.  The rule supplement can be found at the following link:

http://www.warlordgames.com/32598/bolt-action-armoured-platoon-selectors/

Let's compare a 28mm and 1/72 platoon, assuming I purchased the basic infantry platoon in 28mm (described in earlier post) and added more vehicles and elements.

Panzer Platoon		Points
Armoured Platoon
Command Tank	Panzer IV	260
	Panzer IV	235
	Panzer IV	235
One Infantry Squad		106
	NCO w/SMG
	Soldier with SMG
	3 Riflemen
	2 Panzer Faust
	LMG Team
Weapons Squad		195
	MMG Team
	120mm Mortar
	Panzerschreck
Transport
	2 Hanomag	168
Total Points Value		1199
1/72 Total Cost		$70
28mm Total Cost		$212

I have some more thinking to do.  I'm almost finished with my DBA Later Persian army basing, and I am tackling a terrain project afterward.  I'll probably purchase my first batch of WW II figures in the summer, starting with samples in both scales.

Planning Bolt Action Purchases

Marines Landing on Iwo Jima

Cost conscious as I am, I decided to compare the cost for a few armies and manufacturers for Bolt Action.  Warlord Games, the co-publisher of the game, has a great range of WWII 28mm miniatures.  I am also considering figures from Wargames Factory, which makes late war Americans and Germans, and the Plastic Soldier Company's Russians.

Without going into every detail, the table below compares four 1000 point armies. The experience level of the majority of units is listed.  As you can see, the Soviets are able to field a lot of infantry, thanks to a points-free 11 man inexperienced squad, a national characteristic unique to the Russian army list.


Playing Bolt Action in the Pacific theater is appealing to me, but it will require a little more money than a European campaign.  Although I didn't estimate the cost for a Japanese force, the basic infantry box for both the Marines and the Japanese runs the same.   I could field a Russian and German army for the price of one Marine list by using a mix of manufacturers.  Because the Warlord USMC and Japanese units are a mix of metal and plastic figures, the boxes are also pricier than the Warlord US Army figures available for European campaigns.

Bolt Action 28mm Forces - Cost Estimates
Army	USMC	Russian	German	German
General Exp Level	Veteran	Regular	Veteran	Regular
Officers, Staff, Medic	3	2	2	2
Inf Squads	3	5	3	3
Total Infantrymen	27	55	27	27
LMG/MMG Teams	.30 LMG	MMG Maxim	MG42	MG42
Sniper Team	1	0	1	1
Mortar Team	60mm	81mm	0	0
Anti-tank Team	0	AT Rifle	0	0
Artillery	0	76mm FG	0	0
Tank	M4 75mm Sherman	T34/85	Panzer IV	Panzer IV
Other Vehicles	LVT4 Buffalo	0	1 Hanomag	2 Hanomag
Points	1010	1011	973	976
Cost Estimate	$162	$80	$82	$104
Manufacturers	Warlord	Inf - PSC Tank-Warlord	Inf-WarFact Veh-Warlord	Inf-WarFact Veh-Warlord

Figure cost is not the only factor.  It would be interesting to estimate time and cost to finish a Pacific battlefield versus a European one.  I could easily scratch-build the bunkers that would characterize a Pacific Island; building or buying numerous buildings for a burned-out town in France would undoubtedly be pricier.  How would the money and time investment balance out when the terrain is considered? Hmm...

While cost will be a consideration, I don't expect that will be the leading factor in my final decision.  Bolt Action is quite affordable to play considering the investment needed to field large horse & musket armies, at smaller scales, for Napoleonic gaming.

Welcome thoughts from any experienced WWII gamers on how the Russian and Veteran German lists would match up. They are quite different in composition.  I have a few points left on the German list, so I should be able to add a bit more firepower.