April Game Day West 04/05/25

It was a soggy Saturday for our April Game Day West with heavy rains throughout the day making it a perfect day for gaming with friends at Miniature Market Rock Hill. So gather round the campfire and let’s hear the tales of the great adventures of the day…….

First up was Dave Schaffner’s World War II Western Front Armored Game at Arracourt France and we will let Dave tell us the story….

“We went back to 19 September, 1944 around the village of Rechicourt, to fight an historical encounter between the 113th Panzer Brigade and elements of the US 4th Armored Division, near Arracourt, France this past Saturday.  Jim B., and new member Steve were the American players, versus Bob A. and Dave H. in this game.  As the scenario initially pitted light armor in outpost positions, and TDs on the heights above Rechicourt, the American command from the start was teetering on a razor’s edge.  

When the game smoke and fog cleared across the fleece valley and hills – the US force had put on an excellent defense, versus the enemy Brigade’s Panthers and Pz IVs.  The German Panzergrenadiers had seized Rechicourt however, and would likely be able to hold the hamlet till reinforced by follow-on Panzers coming up soon that morning into the area.  Taking into consideration the historical context of the Arracourt Tank Battles, the Germans in this scenario had achieved an important toehold, but the American players had performed as well as their real-life counterparts – and that’s as fine of a game outcome we can hope to see play out, as one of our miniature tabletop experiences.”  

On the next table Greg Dieckhaus presented and ACW scenario introducing the Free rules from Wofun Games using their 18mm flats for the troops on the field. We will let Greg give us his description of the battle.

“The game featured Steve Lowry (Union) vs Burt ? (Confederate)“

“Each side had 5 regiments each consisting of 6 companies and a 2 artillery
companies and a general. Prior to the start each side secretly chose one regiment that was Veteran (vs Standard) forces. In game terms this regiment is able to do a full move after shooting and
melees better on a charge.
The first 2 turns of the game found the infantry to be out of range, and artillery did
very little damage.
The Confederates advanced on the left flank.  Each side doing damage as the
forces came in range.
The decisive blow came when the Union Iron Brigade which was the veteran
unit fired and charged into the Confederate center causing the center to crumble and the Confederates were forced to retreat.“

Our third table was a rollicking adventure of the Three Musketeers using the Free “And All for One…” rules.

The Cardinal’s men (Pat, Tim & Jon) were in hot pursuit of the Musketeers (Craig) and Constance who were trying to escape their clutches. Pete commanded the local militia who were just on their standard patrol when they happened upon the great intrigues at the sleepy Inn at St. Francios.

Constance (in yellow) started inside the Inn under the guard of D’artagnan and the other Musketeers but things soon changed as Jon’s Hired Ruffians managed to break in the back door and steal her away. Shortly thereafter Pete and the Militia now allied with the Musketeers engaged the Ruffians and took charge of the fair young lady only to be stopped by Tim’s Cardinal’s Guard timely intervention. Craig’s Musketeer’s sorted themselves out and raced to engage the Cardinal’s Guard taking Constance back from their clutches and started on a circuitous route to make their escape.

The best laid plans however do not always work out as Rochefort and his man came to intervene in the planned exit. When last seen Constance was being dragged away by Rochefort and will certainly be headed to the gallows charged as a spy.

Thanks to all the GMs who presented their interesting puzzles for the players to solve and to the players who showed up to work them out. Our continued Thanks to the fine crew at Miniature Market Rock Hill for their support.