The Battle of Motya - 409 BC

The warrior unit which formed the centre of the Carthaginian force.  I've no idea who these chaps are, other than them being old Minifigs originally painted by JR.  Their wild hair and mad staring eyes indicated that they'd be tough lads - and so it proved in the game!  Stop press:  John Bassett tells me that these are Minifigs Dunlendings with axes from the Mythical Earth range, released in 1974.

This was another of the 'unofficial' CCA scenarios written by Jim Duncan, and followed on from the game reported a couple of weeks ago.  Once again a Greek force - mostly composed of mercenaries and malcontents - under one Hermocrates faced a Carthaginian army defending the approaches to the city of Motya.

The initial setup, with the Carthaginians to the top.  The three sections of ramparts mark the causeway leading to Motya - the rest of the top row is coastline.

The starting positions, seen from the Greek side.

Another view of the setup - taken from my vantage point on the Greek left.

The Greeks repel an attack by Carthaginian light troops.

The Greek right advances - casualties on both sides are numerous.  The Carthaginians had the worst of this engagement but they took quite a few hoplites with them.

All agreed that this unit of Carthaginian Auxiliaries deserved a (posthumous) photo given the casualties they had inflicted on the Greeks.

The Carthaginian left flank has collapsed and battered but angry hoplites bear down on the increasingly nervous Carthaginians.

Closeup of the victorious hoplite unit - old (and definitely veteran!) Garrison figures.

The Greeks realise that the Carthaginian general is still in their midst - he narrowly escaped death when the warriors he had accompanied perished.

The Greek light cavalry make threatening moves.

Light infantry join in the Greek attack.

The Greek cavalry infantry rolled some lucky dice!

The Greek centre finally joins in, while light troops sweep round the flanks, securing victory!

The Greek light infantry unit captures the entrance to the causeway.  More veterans from JR's attic - Hinchliffe this time.

Pig Power!

Some years ago, Peter Pig released this figure into his 15mm range.  I rediscoverd my casting a few weeks ago and added it to the painting pile.  Now to sneak him into a game...

More Forbodian Cavalry

News that Martin is making progress with his comedy Prussians has sparked a recruitment drive on the plains of Forbodia.  This second cavalry regiment has been raised from Italeri ACW figures, with their appearance subtly altered by a change of colour scheme. 

The command group with (from L to R) standard bearer, officer and NCO.

I bought these figures ages ago and undercoated them during the summer. before becoming distracted by other projects.  I returned to them a couple of weeks ago.

After the rudimentary paint job - the troopers await a coat of varnish.

Military Aid Package

I recently sent Bob Cordery a surplus Corgi Panzer IV to add to his already impressive collection of such things.  To my surprise he retaliated with the goodies shown above - four Armourfast T-34s, two Britannia T-34s, two Armourfast Panzer IIIs, two old Frontline T-26s and a trio of Reviresco I-16s!  As is now customary with such things, Bob asked me to use what I could and pass on any surplus items. 
As I already have quite a few 20mm Russian tanks - but not too many (does such a quantity even exist?) I decided to hang on to only the Britannia T-34s (below) - not least because I remember them being used in a game some years ago.  I have also hung onto the I-16s but not yet decided what markings they will finally wear.
The Panzer IIIs have now been passed on to Martin R, and the other Russian tanks to John A.  Thanks Bob!