Smoggycon 2012. Part One.

I always know the campaigning year is ending as I attend Smoggycon in Middlesbrough.
It is probably the most apt name for a wargames show,as if you know Middlesbrough then you can understand the nick name Smoggy.
 As you travel over the A19 flyover I always think of Mordor,as the flames fly from the chimneys at the large incinerator,pretty it ain't.
The show however is good,and has tried hard to replace the defunct Parade ground show that was staged at Stockton.
 John and I weren't certain what to put on as a game,and due to time constraints, aren't there always,
I couldn't get my replacement terrain boards finished [or even started ] in time.

 Anyway I opted to put on another SYW game,just to showcase the OSW ranges of figures that are still available and worth looking at.
 We decided to use Blackpowder rules and opted for a mid size encounter battle, French against Hanoverian Hessians.

Its a testament to BP rules that after John forgot the quick play charts,and I forgot the rule book we were still able to play. The rules are that easy and that good.
 John took command of the Hanoverians and I took my customary French.I gave each side ten battalions of foot and six regiments of cavalry,with the od extra light unit to make things interesting.

Doing what the French do best,I opted for a very stately stroll forward,as the Hanoverians came on like a banshee. Smoggycon for me,is a chance to meet up with old faces,and also make new acquaintances.

This year was no exception as I met and talked to my old boss!, a closet wargamer,who never said a word before.I think he was impressed by our set up.

 John throws forward all his troops,in an effort to catch the French unawares....which he did.

 One of my claims to fame,was my Austrian allied hussars,blundering their way to undying shame,as after throwing a double six,they charged the nearest enemy. One move later they were gone like  summer snow..................

 A view of the Legion Brittanique and skirmishers,taking the corn field held by the Arquebusiers du Grassin.

 A shot of the Grassin,just before they disappeared.

 A couple of photographs of the camp scenes I like to scatter around the chaos.

 John's combined Hessian grenadiers attempting to hide.

My mystery French infantry,they still have not been identified,even after consulting Dave Thomas, Andy Copestake, Ian Kay and Phil Robinson at the show.

 Commander of the French army resplendent in all his glory,wishing he had taken out dual status,as his army starts to disappear.

 To be fair to myself,as the day wore on, I started to make inroads to John's position,but at great cost to my troops. A winning draw to John.