Today, Sun 27 November, a select band foregathered at Julian's residence to mark another birthday for our gaming mate. Around 10am start with a 3pm finish, during which time we played three games of the WWI aerial combat system "Wings of Glory" using Julian's extensive collection of lovely 1/144 scale pre coloured aircraft (I think he may have every single one!) over three specially produced neoprene gaming mats.
This is mostly just a pictorial record of the two pre-lunch and one post lunch games - too many things happen too quickly for me to attempt any kind of running commentary!
The three playing mats, front line trenches between two "rear araes"
The first combat of the first game...
....which was the Dawn Patrol scenario - three Brits v four Krauts
Each player could "win" by either travelling over the enemy trench system then making it back to their own end of the table alive,.....
.....or by shooting down an enemy plane!
The famous moment when Nick turned over his casualty card to reveal his plane had exploded!
Surprisingly, give odds of 4:3 PLUS the German aircraft being generally better in this early war era, we Brits (Mark, Chris and I) won the first game
These are pics of the second scenario - both sides had to escort a larger reconnaissance plane to the far end of the table where it would fly over a specified target, take photos, then return to the friendly end of the table
I controlled the British recce plane, as well as one of the fighter escorts
This time, my colleagues were less successful, and although I made it to the target and got the pix, I succumbed to the combined hits inflicted by a swarm of enemy fighters as I turned for home....
Entre Acte
A rather splendid luncheon, accompanied by Prosecco, Rose, Pinot Noir AND Sparkling Water.
Then, it was back to the war
We changed sides so now Chris, Mark, Barry and I were the dreaded Bosch
My new command, a later war Roland fighter, was apparently one of the best
The Knights of the Air close with each other
I was out of this game quite quickly as the result of an unfortunate explosion!
I think at the end, there were three Bris against a lone German plane, operated by Chris
And then, I think, Chris either blew up, or his pilot was killed by a lucky shot!
Very simple rules and a nice change from the usual fare.
Happy Birthday Julian and thanks for an enjoyable day!
Fantastic mats - quality gaming time and Julian is a great host.
ReplyDeleteThanks Norm, the mats certainly add to the ambience of the games, and Julian is a host par excellence! A most enjoyable day.
DeleteWings of Glory is a great game for club nights. Always fun
ReplyDeleteThanks Scotty, yes, we generally have a good laugh, but for me, it's an occasional game....I would not want to play it too regularly.
DeleteNow, this is a way to celebrate a birthday!
ReplyDeleteIt certainly is, Jon.
DeleteWhat a great fun on your birthday!
ReplyDeleteThanks Ray, we always have a bit of a laugh with this game...some people make excellent plans in their heads, three moves ahead, and then get one damage card, and their plane explodes! I think it happened to everyone at some point but in the first game, the Germans seemed particularly prone to bad luck...I think Nick blew up twice in that one!
DeleteLovely looking game sir!
ReplyDeleteThanks Michal, they are very nicely presented models and the gaming mats certainly add to the look of the game!
DeleteI too enjoy Wings of Glory as an occasional pick-up game. It is fast and fun, and not too mentally taxing.
ReplyDeleteExactly right Lawrence...a bit like Western Gunfighter games! Perfect to fill a couple of hours either side of lunch...but a couple of games every now and again is enough, or they become a bit "samey"!
DeleteA splendid day Keith. Food, drink and flying. All the ingredients for a great day.
ReplyDeleteThanks Richard, I am not sure of the ground scale on the mats....perhaps they would suit your 2mm figures ?!😀
DeleteSplendid Keith…
ReplyDeleteWhat’s not to love about birthday celebrations and WW1 aircraft 😁
The pictures of the game are spot on.
All the best. Aly
Cheers Aly, it was indeed, a very fine way to spend YET ANOTHER miserable, wet Auckland Sunday!
DeleteNice airplanes, but you lost me after seeing that magnificent lunch! What a lovely outing!
ReplyDeleteIt was a superb day, for sure Ed, and we did find the third game a bit of a struggle, all we wanted to do after that magnificent repast was have a bit of a snooze! (Particularly me, who had been at a 51st birthday till 1am the night before!)
DeleteWhat a lovely way to spend the special day celebrating with friends. A game I keep meaning to try but never quite get round to it, given my other projects (allegedly) on the go;)!
ReplyDeleteThanks Steve, Wings of Glory is very entertaining and cleverly thought out too, if you know someone who has it, I would recommend giving it a try.
DeleteSounds like a marvellous birthday! Looks like a great game too!
ReplyDeleteBest Iain
Thanks Iain, it was a great way to mark the occasion.
DeleteYou managed to get better pictures than me Keith. In mine the aircraft just blended into the background…well camouflaged I suppose some might say.
ReplyDeleteThanks Mark...they turned out ok...John had a couple of good close ups too.
DeleteHappy birthday, great looking game and spread. Photos are amazing and the mat even had the effect of hiding some of the toys.
ReplyDeleteThank you Joe. Re the mat comment, that's exactly the point Mark made above!
DeleteNice way to celebrate! Many belated happy returns to Julian!
ReplyDeleteThanks Dai, I will pass on your good wishes next time I see Julian!
DeleteNow that's how a Birthday should be celebrated, the mat look great and really adds to the air war.
ReplyDeleteCheers
Stu
Cheers Stu...agree with both your points...great birthday celebration and the mats really do add to the aesthetic appeal of the games!
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