Battlegroup NORTHAG - INDEX + FAQ & HOUSE RULES

For its Cold War period gaming, my gaming group has shifted from using the Battlefront 'Team Yankee' rules to using the 'Battlegroup NORTHAG' rules published by the Plastic Soldier Company.   On balance we prefer them to Team Yankee as they are more armour focused.

A serious frustration we have found however with the NORTHAG rules is the lack of an official Index, soooo.... I decided to write my own unofficial one.   

In addition there is no FAQ document which is serious omission.  In order to rectify that I pulled one together with the help of friends and other enthusiasts of the rules.

I have created a Dropbox Folder (Link) and within that you can find:

1)   Latest Official NORTHAG Errata - (currently at v6)

2)   Unofficial NORTHAG Index - (currently at v9)   

3)   Unofficial - House Rules & Clarifications - (currently at v1-6)

BADGER 3D Creations - Web Site: https://badger3d.co.uk/

I've slightly unretired myself, I'm now helping out at Badger 3D Creations one day a week.  3D printing, it's the future guys !  🙂

Check out Badger's Facebook page:  https://www.facebook.com/Badger3DCreations and their excellent Etsy shop:  https://www.etsy.com/uk/shop/Badger3DPrints.

In addition they have their own website: https://badger3d.co.uk/ suggest check there first for the latest releases.

DRAGON RAMPANT - 3 ROUND MINI CAMPAIGN - ESCAPE TO THE SOUTH

 At my local club I've been running a 3 round min-campaign using the Dragon Rampant rules called, 'Escape To The South'.  If idea interest you download the blank campaign document here.

There is also an accompanying Extra Magic Items document as well, which come into play in Round 3. 

The HWC House rule document referenced in the campaign doc is available from a link in this posting. Link

In our campaign which has 14 players in it, we are coming to the end of round 2.  The forces of 'The Black Horde' have had some success and currently leading the forces of The Greater Empire Coalition' 111 glory points to 66.

If you have any questions I'll be happy to answer them.

Battletech - Modified Layout Mech Record Sheets

If you are a classic Battletech gamer I would encourage you to have a look at the custom Mech Record Sheets made by Kieran Vincent Rowley.   

This is the posting he put on the relevant Facebook page which I am repeating here in full:

"So for whatever reason, I post these almost entirely on Reddit, but since I'm almost done with all 3025 variants of all currently-released CGL Box Sets and ForcePacks, I feel like I should really try to get the word out in other places!

I make these! (If you've seen em on Reddit, that's me! I'm the guy)  I use them, I love them, and yes I do take requests.  I've done over 200 that are all available at this link! 

https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/18chMT5KQApwqgA6UbEZ4ZfwPO2lyJK7C?fbclid=IwAR3bygJoOfkryzrbfrXkXoNitC24yLPMUHCgPnzGjw-s9kRC_3vlXiXpUOI

Quick edit: As with any tabletop-game element, conjecture isn't useful feedback.  If you've used it at the table and had a negative experience, let me know what went wrong!  But so far absolutely no-one who has actually used these has had any complaints, and indeed, most (like myself) find them to be much EASIER and faster to use than the official sheets, as well as making the game *feel* less like filling out paperwork.  I made them to be functional and intuitive in ways that I found the official sheets were lacking. As I said, conjecture is not feedback - playtesting is what matters.

Some variants (especially Royal SLDF versions, but sometimes others) have an additional retro art version, with either the original (sadly uncredited) Macross art or early TRO art from Duane Loose or Dana Knutson.  All known artists have been credited, although some remain unknown (Harri Kallio SIGN YER STUFF man! I think half my missing artists are you!), and I own NONE of this, all credit to Catalyst Game Labs and the respective artists and designers.  About the only thing I created here besides the format is the Clanbusters logo, which anyone may use at their own discretion."

The Avid Wargamer

Stumbled by chance across this interesting site called 'The Avid Wargamer  - Computer Wargaming & Military History'.  I highly recommend a visit, there is some really interesting stuff on it.  Link

Battletech - Alphas Strike - Jeff's Battletech Tools

If you are into playing Batteltech Alpha Strike, suggest check out Jeff's Battletech Tools which allows you to configure his improved version (in my opinion) of the AS Cards and also switch between whether the ranges are in inches or hexes. Link

The making of Warhammer 40,000: Rick Priestley on the birth of the sci-fi miniatures behemoth

 This article on the making of Warhammer 40k is worth a read.  Link 

Russia, Ukraine, and the West | Frederick Kagan - Podcast

I like many of you have been following the Ukraine crisis.  For those interested in understanding the background I highly recommend this JBP Podcast on the topic.  

ALIEN - The Nostromo Fan Art

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Comment:  Simply amazing.

The Best Tank Games on PC and All Platforms - By History Hit

Worth checking out this Link if you like tank games (mainly on the PC).  Link 

How to Pick Your First Battletech Faction: The Inner Sphere ca. 3025

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Comment
Found this quite good as a refresher.

Battletech: 40K Refugees, is the Grass Really Greener?

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Comment:  Enjoyed this video, worth a watch :) 

Tabletop gaming: The Therapy Of Fighting With Miniature Dragons

Here's an interesting article on the BBC web site that I was made aware of today.  I very much agree with many of the contributors to it that wargaming as a hobby is good for your mental health. Link 

Reference infos – WW2 German Armour paints and camouflage colours

Today I stumbled across a very useful site called 'Resources For Scale Modelers'.  In particular this page on the site is is very useful if like me you are painting up some WW2 German Armour  Link.  The fact that he is quoting RAL numbers is useful as well.  I notice that Vallejo put the RAL number on some of their paints which is a good cross-check match wise.  What I would say is that, notwithstanding that Vallejo are doing that doesn't always means they are a good match !  LOL 

Company of Heroes Review | Should You Play it in 2021 ?

 

Although this is titled 2019, I think it equally applies to 2021 :)

Quite simply my all time favorite RTS game.

Stranger Shapes - Alien(s) Film Blog

 

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If you are a fan of the Alien series of films then this is a fascinating site to visit with all sports of info and interviews logged that people involved in the film have given - highly recommended !  Link

HQ Tiger II with Cutaway Hull and Turret Walkaround

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A interesting look round this sectioned King Tiger.

Miniature Wargaming On-line. A Beginner's Guide

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Quite a interesting discussion about gaming on-line in this u-Tube video.  I know all three guys and in fact John is one of my regular gaming friends in the Harrogate Wargames Club.  When we went into 2nd lockdown/tiering episode here in the UK in the autumn of 2020 I decided to run a few of my own-online games after speaking with John and also hearing how successful/enjoyable his were.  To date I've run 6 x Necromunda games, 1 x What A Tanker in 10mm, 1 x Dragon Rampant game in 10mm and one game of the new recently released Aliens Board game.  All have worked reasonably well with the exception of the Aliens game.  I've kept wanting to do some write ups of the games for this Blog, but lack of available time is a problem for me at the moment.  The thought of taking early retirement so I can spend more time on my gaming hobby is quite attractive...

The Heretic short film | Unity

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Definitely worth a watch :) 

STORMTROOPERS (2018)

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Worth a watch :)

11 Best Dungeons & Dragons Board Games

Find new ways to explore the fantasy world with your party of adventurers in these D&D board games.  Link

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Command & Conquer Remastered

Command & Conquer has been remastered for the PC.  Link
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Comment:  I must have played hundreds of hours of C&C and Red Alert back in the 90s, so I might just have to get this for old times sake... :)
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13 Sci-Fi and Fantasy Board Games That Are as Gorgeous to Behold as They Are Fun to Play

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Here's a link to an interesting article by James Whitbrook about 13 great looking games that are also fun to play.  Link 
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Soldier’s bedroom has not been touched since he died… in WORLD WAR I

A First World War soldier's bedroom has lain completely untouched in his former home since he died from injuries 102 years ago.

Dragoons' Second Lieutenant Hubert Rochereau died aged 21 in an English field ambulance after fighting in the village of Loker, Flanders, on 26 April 1918.

His heartbroken parents, initially unable to locate their son's body, said they would turn his bedroom into a permanent shrine to his memory.

Read more on the Daily Mail site:  Link

How To... Drink Tea in a Tank | The Tank Museum

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Comment:  An entertaining video, worth a watch :)
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How To Use Math To Crush Your Friends At 'Risk' Like You've Never Done Before

This article is worth a read is you play Risk  Link  :)
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10 best train board games to play after Ticket to Ride

Here's a useful article on train board games :)   Link
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The bitter taste of victory: why May 1945 was not a time of celebration for everyone

For those interested in WW2 history this article on the BBC History Extra site makes for interesting reading:  Link
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Astartes

Guys, stumbled across this Warhammer 40K fan fiction animation channel called Astartes.  Thus far 5 videos have done, you need to watch them all in full screen mode.  I'm so impressed.  This is essential viewing for anyone with any interest in the 40K universe.
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7 best print-and-play board games you can download at home

Quite a good little article here on 7 print and play board games you can download.  Link.
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Exploring Alpha Strike: Commander’s Edition

Interesting little article on the new Battletech rule book, Alpha Strike: Commander’s Edition published by Catalyst Games Lab.  Link
I've played several games using this mass combat system and quite enjoyed them,  The biggest advantage being that you just field so many more mechs on the table at the same time.  A 12 mech aside game using the Classic Battletech rules is a really significant game.  With AS, the game would be finished in a couple of hours max.  I'm not saying that AS is better, it's just different.  If you haven't tried it, I would encourage you to do so.
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Lock Down In The UK

Well guys, here we are on day 3 of a 3 week lock-down in the UK.  Hope you and your families are all keeping safe and well in these worrying times.
 

The Guardian - From Jenga to Taboo: The 20 Best Family-Friendly Board Games

Another good article in the press about good boardgames :) Link

We Are Not An Effective Team...

Comment:  A clip from one of my favorite sci-fi films, Oblivion.  Lots to enjoy in this film :)

5 Boardgames You Can Make At Home

Comment:  Stumbled across this good article called 5 Boardgames You Can Make At Home: Link
Written by Sem Categoria it's worth a read :)
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Team Yankee - Swedish Army Listing & Stats

With friends at the Harrogate Wargames Club I've been generating an army list and stats for those who want to use a Swedish force in their World WarIII Team Yankee games. - Here is a link to the unit record cards: Link. I adjust this page shorlty and add a link to diagrams of the organisational structure. -

Inside the Chieftain's Hatch: Panzer IV

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Comment:  Highly recommended watching for those interested in WW2 tanks.  Love all the stuff that The Chieftain does, it's the exactly the kind of job I would love to do !  :)
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Picture Of The Week - No 64 - Star Citizen - MISC Hull C

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Commentary:  Often called the most common ship in the (Start Citizen) galaxy, the Hull C is the most-produced of the range and is considered by many to be the most versatile.  Intended to hit the ‘sweet spot’ between the smaller single-person transports and the massive super-freighters that make up the rest of the range, the Hull C offers the expansive modularity of the larger ships while still retaining a modicum of the maneuverability allowed the low end of the range.
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'Infamy, Infamy!' At The Vapnartak Wargames Convention In York

At the Vapnartak wargames convention at the York Racecourse on Sun 2nd Feb, my friend John Savage who goes to the Harrogate Wargames Club put on a superb looking demo game (with some help from other members) using the shortly to be released 'Infamy, Infamy!' rules by the Too Fat Lardies.  Here's a few pictures of a couple of the games that were played.

New Blog Header Picture - Picture Of The Week - No 63

Just changed the header on the Blog to this fabulous (cropped) one showing an awesome looking sci-fi tank.

This picture speaks to me...  It encapsulates beautifully my interests; wargaming, sci-fi, military vehicles, great artwork, simply love it.  Not sure of the original author, whoever he is, I hope he doesn't mind me using it :)-
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BEAMSTRIKE RULES & SUPPLEMENTS

I have a great affection for the Beamstrike sci-fi rules (which I contributed to).  They are described as:  "Beamstrike', a free, open source miniatures wargame developed for 15mm Science fiction figures. Inspired by 'Imperial Commander', Beamstrike rules are comprehensive, yet fast moving, there are ample examples of weapon systems, vehicles and equipment. You can use the background universe provided, yet the rules are generic enough to be used in your favourite science fiction setting."


Sadly with the demise of the Yahoo groups and the disappearance of the wed page that the author Neil Copper used to have, it is now difficult to locate all the supplements that were created.  I have decided to remedy that by uploading all the Beamstrike files into dropbox so they are downloadable :)
#1   Core Rules - version 1.22 - author Neil Cooper.
#2   Quick Reference Sheet - version 1-2
#3   Alien Supplement - version 1.2 - authors  Neil Cooper and Din Clarke,. 
#4   Imperial Era Supplement No 1 - author Neil Cooper.
#5   Star Wars Conversion - author Neil Cooper.
#6   Urban War  (draft version) - author Neil Cooper.
#7   Counters & Templates.
#8   Turn Monitor Sheet.
#9   Army Record Sheet.
#10  Visual Record 1.


If you are looking for an alternative set of 15mm Sci-Fi rules, Fubar Sci-Fi Expanded are worth a try, they are currently my rule set of choice.

Titan Terrain NZ

Guys, check out this interesting little company called 'Titan Terrain NZ' that do some great looking mdf terrain ! Link
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Sherman Firefly - Track Change

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A quite long, but yet interesting video showing the challenges faced in changing the tracks on a WWII Sherman Firefly.
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Modern War Institute Podcasts

Guys Stumbled across a fascinating series of Podcasts hosted by the Modern War Institute . They are definitely worth checking out Link.

Tank Chats #47 King Tiger At The Tank Museum

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This is quite an interesting talk.
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Swedish Strv 103 S-Tank

A nice piece of footage I found here showing a preserved Swedish designed S-Tank trundling around.
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'What A Tanker!' At Vapnartak

Our club (The Harrogate Wargames Club) ended up putting on two games at this years Vapnartak wargames convention organised by the York Wargames Society the York Racecourse.  The first game run by John S and Gavin was a 7TV game (rules devised by Crook Dice).  The second 'Kesslers Crossroads' was a 20mm tank game using the Two Fat Lardies rules set 'What A Tanker!'.  John Elwen and myself ran the three participation games, 4 Sherman 75s taking on a lone Panther tank defending a crossroads.  This is a homage to the real life event called Barkman's Corner (or is it in fact a myth ?).  To give the lone Panther a chance, the crew were rated as Elite and as per the rules could convert any 1 Command Dice.  Three entertaining games were played over the day with the Panther (mainly run by me) getting KO'd on each occasion.
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Happy New Year - 2019

I'd like to wish all who visit my Blog a happy and prosperous New Year :)
One my new year resolutions is to try and do more blog postings this year, we shall have to see if I achieve that !
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Something for sci-fi fans, check out this great sci-fi artwork I stumbled across on the net :)   Fantastic stuff, makes me feel like digging out my 15mm sci-fi armies for a battle :)
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Operation Lionheart 84

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Comment: For those interested in Cold war gaming using rules such as Team Yankee there is a lot to enjoy in this the first of what are 10 videos on U-Tube. 

Swedish Tank - Stridsvagn 74

Came across this interesting (light/medium tank that the Swedes used to operate up until the mid eighties.  I'm thinking of getting a platoon of them for my Swedish Flames Of War Team Yankee 10/12mm force.  No one makes the actual model, but I'm thinking that a USA Walker Bulldog looks like the closest model I can find, made by both Minifigs and Pendraken,
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This a great bit of vid of one in a military museum collection.  (Link here in case the U-Tube vid doesn't embed properly)
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