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Deadly Fallujah – Iraq’s Most Intense Battle (20mm Force on Force)

Deadly Fallujah – Iraq’s Most Intense Battle (20mm Force on Force)

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Project Blog by oriskany Cult of Games Member

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About the Project

Lately, I've been running war games every weekend with members of the community via web conference. Players log on and play wargames with each other in real time, regardless of location, and we usually have at least a couple spectators as well. Many times it’s been Darkstar, but we’re also running wargames in Panzer Leader, Arab-Israeli Wars, and now Valor & Victory.

BoW/OTT community members @brucelea, @damon, @davehawes, and @rasmus have taken the plunge, leading battalions across thousands of meters of desert, starfleets in pitched battles across the heavens, or vicious firefights in the jungles of Vietnam, all without leaving the comfort of their home.

Hard-core, old-school command-tactical wargames can now be run (complete with spectators and recordings) in real time, with BOTH PLAYERS moving pieces across THE SAME virtual game board, thus maintaining player agency, speedy and instant results (no play by e-mail), interwoven turn sequences, any questions / feedback instantly received and addressed, and with the game being virtually recorded as it goes, a ready-made battle report can actually be created as we go.

All of this without the players having to install any new software on their computer, on any platform (PC or Mac). All that's needed is to agree on a time, a handful of dice, and a bellyful of courage!

Every weekend can now be a boot camp! All without costing me thousands of dollars in airfare, too!

This Project is Active

Deadly Fallujah - Iraq's most intense battle (20mm Force on Force)

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We have rounds downrange and Marines have been hit!
Join us for the conclusion of our tabletop miniature game of Force-on-Force, set in the epicenter of the Iraq War’s most intense single engagement – the Second Battle of Fallujah (Operation Phantom Fury).

Building IDF Armour (15mm Old Glory - Magach 3 and M113 APC)

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Here is the replay from yesterday’s live stream, where I start building 15mm IDF tanks and APCs from Old Glory … for 1973 Yom Kippur War.

We tediously go over correct correct MG layouts … then I use a wrong MG layout 🙁

And I got some great 3D printed layouts from Butler Printed Models Company.

Finishing up Ukrainian BMP-2, BMP3s, Russian BMDs, BRDM-2s w/ AT-2

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Rescued these “bargain bin baddies” for about 75 cents a piece.  Fair amount of work to restore them.

Patch broken fenders
Patch broken roadwheels and tracks
New hatches & commanders
New scratch-built AT-5s ATGWs on the BMP-2s
New headlights
Stowage stratch built
New antennae and jacks
New muzzle brakes on the BMP-2s.
Mis of Russian and Ukrainian markings.

Finishing up Ukrainian BMP-2, BMP3s, Russian BMDs, BRDM-2s w/ AT-2
Finishing up Ukrainian BMP-2, BMP3s, Russian BMDs, BRDM-2s w/ AT-2
Finishing up Ukrainian BMP-2, BMP3s, Russian BMDs, BRDM-2s w/ AT-2
Finishing up Ukrainian BMP-2, BMP3s, Russian BMDs, BRDM-2s w/ AT-2

Fallujah - Iraq War's Most Intense Battle (20mm Force-on-Force Wargame) P1

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Join us for a tabletop miniature game of Force-on-Force, set in the epicenter of the Iraq War’s most intense single engagement – the Second Battle of Fallujah (Operation Phantom Fury).

It’s November 2004, and the US Marine Corps, US Army, and Iraqi security forces have closed a ring around the city of Fallujah, one of the deadliest insurgent strongholds in the so-called Sunni Triangle.  Near the “Pizza Slice” neighborhood of the Jolan District, the absolute heart of this pitiless engagement, a Marine M1A1 Abrams battle tank has been crippled by an IED blast.

Now an aging Marine gunnery sergeant has been given a pair of Humvees and a detached squad of 2nd Platoon, Kilo Company, 3/5 Marines, with orders to get to that crew, evacuate the casualties, and frag the tank before it can be looted by Mahdi insurgents.

Of course, the insurgents know about the crippled tank as well.  Capturing it means prisoners to exploit, technology to sell, and 120mm ammunition to build into more IEDs.

Who will reach the tank first, and can the Marines save their wounded comrades in time?

Light Soviet AFVs: Rescuing Minis from the Wreck Pile!

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Here is a replay of last night’s stream, where we work on some of those BMP-2s, BMP-3s, BRDM-2s, and BMD airmobile combat vehicles.

We talk about new Russian tank commander uniforms, plans for some upcoming US Vietnam and IDF Yom Kippur vehicles, and Oriskany gets himself mightily confused about Soviet antitank missiles.

Hey, what else is new?

Some other work I've been up to in the last week - including a lot more repair, scratch-building, conversion, and upgrade!Some other work I've been up to in the last week - including a lot more repair, scratch-building, conversion, and upgrade!
Light Soviet AFVs: Rescuing Minis from the Wreck Pile!
Light Soviet AFVs: Rescuing Minis from the Wreck Pile!
Light Soviet AFVs: Rescuing Minis from the Wreck Pile!
Light Soviet AFVs: Rescuing Minis from the Wreck Pile!

Seven Days to the River Rhine: Harold Coyle's "Sword Point" (US v USSR in Alternate 1990s Iran)

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Join us as we finish up our game of “Seven Days to the River Rhine” (Great Escape Games) set in the events of Harold Coyle’s “Sword Point” novel, imagining a US-USSR conflict in an alternate 1990 Iran.

So far, losses have been steep on both sides.  The Soviet tank spearhead is all but shattered, but honestly the platoon of American M1A1 Abrams has been largely destroyed as well.  With the tanks smashed, it’s down to the Bradleys, BMPs, and even HMMWVs to decide ultimate victory!

Stream Replay: 15mm Modern USMC Vehicles

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Here is the replay from yesterday’s live stream, where we start off talking about and working on modern USMC 15mm miniatures.

How quickly the stream goes sideways, with the topic ranging to Soviet Cold War tank evolution to the disposition of manuever-level fomations in 1980s Germany.

Through it all, however, we do get some miniatures actually *completed* in this stream. 😆

USMC AAV-7A1 Amptrack rescue and conversion

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I’ve been having a blast lately “rescuing” and restoring old miniatures and adding them to my “first line” 15mm table forces.

These were old LVTP-7s, rather beat up, with missing turrets and in the old 1970s-80s configuation where honestly they weren’t that useful. I wanted to update them to the newer USMC AAV-7 variant so I could use them in Desert Storm or OIF scenarios from the 90s and 2000s.

Picked them up in a “twenty bucks for the box” buy/swap at the local club.

Original state (three big green ones in back).  The smaller sand one in the front is a Fields of Valor toy, but in 10mm.  Basically, I want to make those three 15mm greens look like the 10mm sand.Original state (three big green ones in back). The smaller sand one in the front is a Fields of Valor toy, but in 10mm. Basically, I want to make those three 15mm greens look like the 10mm sand.
First thing to go were the turrets.  One was missing anyway.  The original LTVP-7 turrets are also only really useful in Beirut 83, Grenada 83, and in Argentinian service in Falklands 82.  First thing to go were the turrets. One was missing anyway. The original LTVP-7 turrets are also only really useful in Beirut 83, Grenada 83, and in Argentinian service in Falklands 82.
Scratch-built turrets to the AAV-7 model.  Hatches, commander, and .50 cals from the bits box.  everything else (including the Mk19 AGLs) are scratch-built from scrabble tiles, plastic broom bristles, toothpicks, and electical tape.Scratch-built turrets to the AAV-7 model. Hatches, commander, and .50 cals from the bits box. everything else (including the Mk19 AGLs) are scratch-built from scrabble tiles, plastic broom bristles, toothpicks, and electical tape.
After first airbrush.After first airbrush.
Final result.  A lot of mold bubbles to fill in, flash to shave / sand down.  New stowage is scratch built.  New front heasdlight plate scratch built.  Surf propellers at rear were missing, scratch-built.  Side armor upgrades scratch-built.  New commander added in new hatch / turret.  For $1 a piece, I'm not too displeased with the result.Final result. A lot of mold bubbles to fill in, flash to shave / sand down. New stowage is scratch built. New front heasdlight plate scratch built. Surf propellers at rear were missing, scratch-built. Side armor upgrades scratch-built. New commander added in new hatch / turret. For $1 a piece, I'm not too displeased with the result.
USMC AAV-7A1 Amptrack rescue and conversion
USMC AAV-7A1 Amptrack rescue and conversion
USMC AAV-7A1 Amptrack rescue and conversion

Seven Days to the River Rhine: Harold Coyle's "Sword Point" (US v USSR in Alternate 1990s Iran)

Tutoring 5
Skill 5
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Join us as we try using the Seven Days to the River Rhine (Great Escape Games) system to recreate a scenario from Harold Coyle’s Sword Point novel, imagining a US-USSR conflict in an alternate 1990 Iran.

The Soviets have sent in three Combined Arms Armies into Iran, a move the Americans must counter with a Rapid Deployment Force quickly reinforced by two further corps. It’s T-80s vs. M1A1 Abrams, BMP-2s vs. Bradleys, Mi-24E Hinds vs. Apaches … but in the Iranian desert instead of the meadows and forests of Germany.

Hold on, only the 5th item in the project page and this never appeared on the front webpage for the site???

Hobby Video - Tank Miniature Rescue!

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Here is the replay of yesterday’s stream where we made some great progress on restoring some Cold War era Soviet armor (T-64, T-72, T-80). Probably going to put these in Ukrainian markings to put up against my large pre-existing Soviet / Russian force. Might make for some mellow listening while working on your own hobby.

20mm Force-on-Force, Second Battle of Fallujah - Iraq War 2004

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A few more table photos from today’s set up of Force-on-Force, Second Fallujah, Nov 2004.

2nd Plt / Kilo Co, 3/5 Marines vs.
“1920 Revolution Brigade,” Mahdist insurgents

Air support from USAF, Blackhawk support from US Army 2/7 Cavalry (engaged to the northeast)

20mm Force-on-Force, Second Battle of Fallujah - Iraq War 2004
20mm Force-on-Force, Second Battle of Fallujah - Iraq War 2004
20mm Force-on-Force, Second Battle of Fallujah - Iraq War 2004
20mm Force-on-Force, Second Battle of Fallujah - Iraq War 2004
20mm Force-on-Force, Second Battle of Fallujah - Iraq War 2004
20mm Force-on-Force, Second Battle of Fallujah - Iraq War 2004
20mm Force-on-Force, Second Battle of Fallujah - Iraq War 2004
20mm Force-on-Force, Second Battle of Fallujah - Iraq War 2004
20mm Force-on-Force, Second Battle of Fallujah - Iraq War 2004

Fury at Stavelot - 15mm Tactical Combat in Battle of the Bulge - Video

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Once again Oriskany Jim sits down with friends of the South Florida Miniature gaming Club at Das Krieg Haus, where played a real knock-down, drag-out game of Mark Ritchie’s Tactical Combat in 15mm. The scenario this time is one of the Battles of Stavelot, Belgium, fought during the chaotic opening days of the German 1944 Ardennes Offensive.

Forward German units have passed through this town but not garrisoned it, allowing American combat engineers and tank destroyers to re-occupy it behind him. Now, when heavier German armor attempts to pass through the town and over the vital bridge they believe is secured, they have a very rude surprise in store for them.

20mm Force-on-Force, Second Battle of Fallujah - Iraq War 2004

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Skill 4
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Some table photos from today’s set up of Force-on-Force, Second Fallujah, Nov 2004.

2nd Plt / Kilo Co, 3/5 Marines vs.
“1920 Revolution Brigade,” Mahdist insurgents

Air support from USAF, Blackhawk support from US Army 2/7 Cavalry (engaged to the northeast)

More photos and full battle report video soon to come!

20mm Force-on-Force, Second Battle of Fallujah - Iraq War 2004
20mm Force-on-Force, Second Battle of Fallujah - Iraq War 2004
20mm Force-on-Force, Second Battle of Fallujah - Iraq War 2004
20mm Force-on-Force, Second Battle of Fallujah - Iraq War 2004
20mm Force-on-Force, Second Battle of Fallujah - Iraq War 2004
20mm Force-on-Force, Second Battle of Fallujah - Iraq War 2004
20mm Force-on-Force, Second Battle of Fallujah - Iraq War 2004
20mm Force-on-Force, Second Battle of Fallujah - Iraq War 2004

Hobby Video: Scratch Building Middle East Urban Terrain

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Greetings, all!  Here is the the replay from last’s night’s hobby stream, where we get started on scratch building a little urban terrain useful in MENA (Middle East / North Africa) theaters for 20mm Force-on-Force (Ambush Alley Games / Osprey).

Grinding Down the ole' Lead Mountain

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Continuing to chip away at the lead mountain, chewing down on the sudden surplus of 15mm miniatures on hand. Most of these are from a “buy box of old bits” purchase, so conflicts and eras are all over the place. All 15mm / 1:100, though. Also, a fair amount if replacement / repair on some of these.

  • x2 T-55 MBTs
  • AH-64 Apache (pre-Longbow “D” variant)
  • FlakPz IV “Kugelblitz” armored AA vehicle
  • German Maultier HT transport
  • StPz IV “Brummbär” assault gun
  • A-10 Thunderbolt II

 

Grinding Down the ole' Lead Mountain

Knightsbridge - Desert Tank Clash 1942 (15mm Battlegroup) - Part 2

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Oriskany Jim and Mark Ritchie finish up their game of Battlegroup by IronFist Publishing and Plastic Soldier Company.

The scenario is the Libyan Desert of 1942, where Rommel’s Panzerarmee Afrika is concluding its historic victory at the Battle of Gazala. The bulk of two German panzer divisions and a light division are deep in the flank of the British 8th Army, which is now counterattacking with all its reserves in a frantic attempt to contain the threat.

This final clash comes near a fortified position called Knightsbridge, historically a German victory which marks of the high points of the famed Desert Fox.

Chill Hobby Stream Replay

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Greetings, all! Here is the replay from yesterday’s hobby stream! Nothing galactic, just taking a look at a few completed items and completing one more, a few convention stories, and conjecture about future games and events. Very mellow, perhaps to have on in the background while you work at your own hobby table. Hope you like it!

 

Swordpoint - US vs. USSR in Iran, Alternate 1990

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A few table photos (okay, really video snap pics, so apologies for the slightly poor quality).

From this past Saturday’s game of Seven Days to the River Rhine (15mm) at Das Krieg Haus (South Florida Miniature Gaming Club)

Scale: 15mm
Table 6′ x 8′

Scenario: US vs. USSR in Iran, alternate 1990, Harold Coyle’s Swordpoint novel.

Table was 48 square feet,so it was tough to get the whole thing in one still frame.Table was 48 square feet,so it was tough to get the whole thing in one still frame.
1980s Soviet Motor Rifle infantry1980s Soviet Motor Rifle infantry
Eagle Troop, 2nd Battalion, 2nd Armored Cavalry RegimentEagle Troop, 2nd Battalion, 2nd Armored Cavalry Regiment
That Avenger was a salvaged That Avenger was a salvaged "wrecked" HMMWV originally intended as junked terrain. Salvaged, cut the back off, and scratch-built the quad Stinger launcher and sensor array on the back. Magnetized for rotation. Also, 1990-91 "chocolate chip" camo is a pain in the ass to paint in 15mm.
First Abrams coming on to lower right.  I like the small scenarios in 7DttRR, smaller model count avoids the First Abrams coming on to lower right. I like the small scenarios in 7DttRR, smaller model count avoids the "tank parking lots" we see in other systems. Of course, an 8 x 6 table helps. :D
Bring in the Hinds! Bring in the Hinds!
It took about six hits, but finally an AT-5 Spandral on the flank of Abrams' It took about six hits, but finally an AT-5 Spandral on the flank of Abrams' "Chobham" armor got through and crippled the first VERY expensive M1A1 Abrams.
Americans reply with an AH-64D Americans reply with an AH-64D "Longbow" variant Apache. This one's for you, Gaz!
Soviet force has taken a hell of a beating, judging by the mass of wrecked and exploded tanks and APCs (in 7DttRR it DOES matter which tanks are just knocked out and which are actually EXPLODED).  Is this Iran or Ukraine?Soviet force has taken a hell of a beating, judging by the mass of wrecked and exploded tanks and APCs (in 7DttRR it DOES matter which tanks are just knocked out and which are actually EXPLODED). Is this Iran or Ukraine?
Americans certainly don't have it all their own way, as we see with the crippled M2 Bradley.  At least the infantry escaped the wreck. Americans certainly don't have it all their own way, as we see with the crippled M2 Bradley. At least the infantry escaped the wreck.

Knightsbridge - Desert Tank Clash 1942 (15mm Battlegroup) - Part 1

Tutoring 5
Skill 5
Idea 5
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Oriskany Jim and Mark Ritchie square up for a game of Battlegroup by IronFist Publishing and Plastic Soldier Company. The scenario is the Libyan Desert of 1942, where Rommel’s Panzerarmee Afrika is concluding its historic victory at the Battle of Gazala.

The bulk of two German panzer divisions and a light division are deep in the flank of the British 8th Army, which is now counterattacking with all its reserves in a frantic attempt to contain the threat.

This final clash comes near a fortified position called Knightsbridge, historically a German victory which marks of the high points of the famed Desert Fox.

Hobby Stream Replay: Assault on Lead Mountain Continues

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Skill 6
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Here is the replay from last night’s hobby stream.

Rants on bad military vehicles, conjecture on Leopards, Challengers, Abrams in Ukraine.

Why “All Quiet on the Western Front” on Netflix actually *isn’t* any good.

Oh yeah, some hobby as well. 😀

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