Clash at Sippitz Bridge, 1812 - Part 3 (Blucher BatRep)

Here is part 3, the final part, to the Clash at Sippitz Bridge AAR for Blucher. Take note this battle was played SOLO. If you haven't read the previous parts, here are the links below.

Part 1
Part 2

As the fighting had lulled over near the bridge, drums were beating on the Saxon part of the field. Knowing full well their orders to "...defend the gap at all cost" was about to be put to the test, the Saxon commander made a bold choice. Upon seeing the Russian columns of infantry pause their advance upon them, and taking on the example of the French dragoons, the orders were issued to advance on the enemy before them! Defensive posture abandoned, the white columns began their advance. Cannon let loose the final volley, and the drums beat a quick pace. The Russians would be caught flat-footed with such surprise.

The Saxon counter-attack!

Clash at Sippitz Bridge, 1812 - Part 2 (Blucher BatRep)

Here is part two to my SOLO battle using the Blucher rules. If you missed part one, click the link below to have a read of that first :)

Clash at Sippitz Bridge, PART 1

Blood at Sippitz Bridge...

(Rules Note: the colored chips represent objective markers in this battle. The blue ones show French control, while the white represent Russian control.)

The fighting at the bridge was intense. Four Russian brigades - including Hussar, musketeers, and grenadiers - pushed forward at what seemed all cost. All around the bridge, Russian columns entered the river and engaged the French. One dramatic moment was to the French left portion of the bridge defense. The French had moved a brigade of infantry to a strong position atop a small hill overlooking the Russian crossing point. These Russians were slowed by the efforts of a small brigade of Hussars who engaged the enemy cavalry making the crossing. Although doing little damage, it did slow the advance. Those brave lads would then withdraw beyond the hill, well out of sight of the Russian advance. All was well, the time bought allowed the French to take up a strong defended position upon the slopes.

Intense fighting around Sippitz bridge. The Russian columns cross the river and assault the flanks of the bridge.

Clash at Sippitz Bridge, 1812 - Part 1 (Blucher BatRep)

I had some free time tonight to do some more demo games of Blucher, and so far it is a blast. Very impressed by how well the rules play, and the feel of a Napoleonic battle it provides. Of course, I am playing this one out solo again. Also, I am using 3 cm BW for this battle, played on a 2' x 3' area. Hope to get some bigger unit battles in later when I am more use to the rules. For now this is perfect for testing out the rules.




A grand look at the forces deployed. French are the defender holding the BLUE markers; Russians hold
the single white objective.

Representing a BIG Battle with Blucher

The versatility of the Blucher rules is very refreshing after playing so many sets of rules over the years. One area that really is appealing to me is how easy it is to fight a battle on a small area with fewer miniatures - and I am talking about big battles here, not small actions.

French Brigades mounted for the Blucher rules.

Just Made Some Dice Pods!

The other day I spent some time making some little "dice pods"; small 20mm bases textured with a pocket to hold a small micro-die. Handy to say the least! I can use these little gems with most of the rules I play, including L'Art de la Guerre, Black Powder, GdB, and Blucher. Although I am no fan of blatant markers on the tabletop, I can't deny the usefulness of these little guys. Perhaps I will make some with casualty models on tem, or broken wagon wheels, etc. For the moment these work just fine.

The little 5mm sized dice fit snuggly in the "pod" so they won't get lost.

Different colors of dice work perfect. I also like the bases being flat/square so that they fit along side units.

Random Thoughts on Napoleonic Rules

(NOTE: Random thoughts alert! I am writing this way too early in the morning for me.)

For anyone that follows my other blogs - or YouTube channel - you will know that the Napoleonic period is new to me in terms of wargaming. Not that I am new to the history, as new to collecting and fighting battles on the tabletop. However, I did read quite a few rules sets back in the day, such as WRG 1685 rules, Napoleon, Napoleon's Campaigns in Miniature, Empire V, Tricolor, etc. I even played a few battles with my 1:72 scale plastic toy soldiers. However, this exposure led me to believe that I would never be able to afford all the real painted -up minis the period seemed to suggest I needed. I mean, back in those days you needed hundreds upon hundreds of painted miniatures to fully appreciate the era. The research was no big deal, although that could also be somewhat intimidating.



My growing collection of 10mm Napoleonics.

Progress: Izoum Hussars!

I finally finished these guys off and added them to my growing mass of Imperial Russians. Not my best effort, but they will add some strength in opposition of the French. The basing was a little different, kind of like what I did with the artillery pieces - started with a darker shade of brown earth tone. I am still not fond of this color scheme, preferring the lighter chestnut tone. The lighter tone makes the figures stand out on the tabletop even more.

Hussars support the assault!

Cannon, Flags, and Hussars... oh my!

Well, I finally got my two batteries of Russian cannon based up. They look pretty damn good if you ask me. The only thing I did a little different on these guys was painting the bases a little darker brown than I usually do - I prefer the lighter earth tone. However, they do actually stand out a little bit. Perhaps this is a good thing as being able to distinguish these guys from the French is kind of important in this scale - 10mm. Anyway, I am quite happy regardless.

The Russians Are Coming!!!

Very excited at the moment. I finally finished off my first TWO units of Russians today: two battalions of the St. Petersburg division.

Welcome to my NEW Blog! :)

Welcome everyone to my *NEW* blog covering my explorations of the Napoleonic wars and the age of the musket. Take note that my main interest here is in the fascinating wars of Napoleon of the early 19th c. However, this blog will also detail some of the other periods of the 18th c. as well.