Spanish Civil War Civil Guard 15mm

The Civil Guards-not my last unit, there's still a few more to come, and certainly not the least.  By Spanish Civil War standards  the Civil Guards were well trained and motivated combat troops.  Rural based, most of them seem to have opted for Franco.

I don't have a lot of them.  You can see them all below.  Combined with my Falangist Militia they will make an interesting Nationalist force for small games. Click for a bigger pic'.

Once again the figures are from Peter Pig. They seem to be the only 15mm manufacturer who does the period.  Just as well they produced a good and comprehensive range.  The officer figure below has a bullhorn in case you were wondering.

Next time for the Republic we will see a female battalion and the dynamite throwing Asturian volunteers.  Also, I need to buy a couple of cars for this project.

I'm closing in on the sort of rules I fancy for the Spanish Civil War.  My current thinking is around a card deck to activate units and an event card for flavour.  It seems to work well for others.

I've now made both so that is the motor done. You shuffle the cards and place them face down. Turn a card and if it's one of your units you can do stuff with it. If not the other side does stuff, although you might get to shoot.  The event card triggers a roll against an event table.  It's simple stuff, you only have the initiative when one of your cards is up.

The detail is coming from Iron Ivan's Spanish Civil War booklets.  The whole thing is two thirds written up. I intend it to work for solo games as well as ones with multiple players.  I'll do an AAR of the test game and post it here and we will see how I get on.

Punic Wars Spanish in 15mm

 

Another two units and I'll have enough for a Spanish Army in its own right.  For the moment these little fellows are part of Hannibal's Carthaginian Army. Either way, they will give the Romans a rough time.  The figures are nearly all from Forged in Battle 15mm.  Click for bigger pic's.

First the cavalry. 

I'm minded to think that all Spanish cavalry could form up and charge or skirmish as the situation demanded.

 Ancient Spanish warriors did not use the bow. They did use slings with great dexterity.  Before attaining manhood young fellows spent time out with the flocks and herds.  It was there they learned their slinging skills killing predators and boredom with equal facility.  

These are my Spanish slingers, they are also equipped for a fight.  The older warriors may have eschewed this useful skill, concentrating close combat. Young warriors could do both and may have been expected to do so.

 Some Spanish warriors wore armour.

All of them could move very quickly when required.  

The Romans learned a great deal from Spanish and Gallic Warriors.  Kit was adopted wholesale.

Above, Chariot, Essex, QRF and the odd Minifig.  I've had a poke about in the bits box and have enough for anther unit of cavalry and one of infantry enabling me to reach the magic figure of 12 units.

Next 'Ancients' time we will have a look at the Roman cavalry and their supporting velites.

A Company of SCW Moors in 15mm

 

These are all from Peter Pig. I think there is much to like about them.  A variety of poses, consistency in size, and detail galore.  I went for 15mm because I already have loads of Spanish scenery and 15mm is really what I’m used to. Click for a bigger pic'.

Here we have the Company HQ with the Captain, a lieutenant, two LMG teams and some riflemen. Flags were still important in the SCW and so we have a standard bearer too.

The first rifle section here with a lieutenant, standard bearer, sergeant, riflemen and a LMG team for support.

The second section follows the same structure.

It is for the period a very effective fighting group.  I might add a HMG.  In the meantime, they could have a couple of lorries for rapid deployment.  Let's see the whole Company again.

There are a lot of flags. It looks nice and works with the rules I have in mind.  Currently, I'm thinking of games with three companies a side with a bit of armour and artillery as an option.

It is not a huge project but it is shaping up to be a fun one.

Two More Punic War Roman Legions

 

My aim was to put together a viable Roman Army for the Macedonian and Punic Wars.  With these two formations it is job done.  For those expecting Punic Wars Spanish, my apologies, they will be appearing here next.  Back to the Romans. 

The lead pile could probably produce another two but that can wait.  Here are the new legions in detail the figures are from Chariot and Essex.

I do need some more Roman cavalry as I aim to have two units.  The rest of the mounted arm will be allies and mercenaries.

 The figures are mainly Chariot Miniatures with some from Essex and Forged in Battle.

 This legion has been doing quite well and is colorfully turned out in looted tunics.

This Legion is a little more uniform in clothing colours.  Perhaps they are newly raised or have been in garrison.

Once again these are old Chariot or Essex castings.

They began life as a DBA Army.

They were bought over a series of visits to War Games Shops rather than all at once.  It's not how we do it today.

Click on the pics for a bigger image.

Nearly job done on the Romans then.  There is something pleasing about repurposing the old figures too.  Soon, I'll begin on the Gauls, a test of anyone's painting skills.