Sharp Practice ACW Part Two

 Three more turns are in the books. It has been quite enjoyable to see the groups shake out into lines. Here is what has happened.

Turn 4

AThis Union formation fired into the Tigers (in column) and the skirmishers. They used four flags to fire a second volley. The Tigers suffered terribly and were forced back. This reduced their morale by two points.

The Tigers are tamed!

The rebel skirmishers fire away but do little damage.

This large formation rolls poorly and only advances one inch!

On the Confederate left, a lone group of Union skirmishers fire at this large formation. They inflict one casualty, which ends up being the colonel, who is knocked unconscious. This reduces the force morale by yet another point. However, later in the turn his group is activated. He rolls a six and is back in the action.

Turn 5

This large Union formation's chip comes up early and they fire yet another volley. However, this is followed by the drawing of three flags, so a random event has occurred. Snake eyes are rolled. The Union level four leader somehow moved into the field of fire and was hit in the backside. He is now a level three leader and the Union morale is reduced by one.

These zouaves in the woods are hit by the rebel skirmishers. One casualty is inflicted and it turns out to be the leader. He is lightly wounded, but the force morale is not affected.

This large force of rebs breaks into line.

The Confederates use a flag after the Tiffin chip comes up to fire a volley at the group of skirmishers that has been tormenting them. Revenge is sweet as half the group is killed and five points of shock are tagged on. The group is forced back, but the force morale remains unchanged.

A look down the rebel line from their left. 

Turn 6: The Tiffin chip came up fairly early, so most of what happened was done by using chips. Both sides primarily used their flags to move their units.

These four groups rolled well and were able to move up all the way to the fence line after the skirmishers shift to the left.

The other large reb force also rolls well and moves up nine inches.

On the Union side, the main group of infantry moves down the hill so the artillery behind it can unlimber and join the action. It does this and adds to the woes of the beleaguered Tigers.

The Union zouaves make it to the fence line, but are in column. Will they be able to change into line before the rebs have the chance to fire?

On the Union right, the battered skirmisher unit pulls back to link up with Berdan's men.

After six turns, the Confederate morale has been reduced significantly. They will need some luck in turn seven to even things up!

Sharp Practice ACW

 I wanted to get my Louisian zouaves on the table for a game. The objective is a crossroads in rural Northern Virginia. 

The primary Confederate entry point is in the woods at the top left of the photo. The secondary is the barn in the top middle.

The primary Union entry point is in the foreground. The secondary one is in the woods at the top of the photo.

The crossroads that is the objective for both sides.

Turn One: The Union has the advantage as its entry points are closer to the objective. However, the chips definitely fell in favor of the Confederates. Their skirmishers entered first, and a force of four groups not only entered, but used four flags to get a second move. Unfortunately, the unit's big man sprained his ankle earlier in the turn (a random event) and the added penalty of moving through broken ground, the woods, and a poor roll meant no additional movement!

Confederate units enter.

A very poor roll trying to cash in four flags results in no additional movement.

Rebel skirmishers advance towards the crossroads.

Turn Two: Union columns rush forward. On their right flank, two groups of skirmishers also advance.  The Confederates continue to advance.

A force of two groups of Tigers move up the road.

A Union force of three groups brashly advances in a column.

Rebel skirmishers take up positions to contest the crossroads.

Berdan's elite unit readies for action.

Turn 3: The popping of musketry erupted this turn. The men in gray and butternut got the first shots off. Their target was the Union column of three groups which took several hits. On the Union side, Berdan's men tried to suppress the rebel skirmishers, but surprisingly inflicted no casualties at all. The other skirmish unit did some damage to the Confederate column across the field.

The first shots of the game.

The rebel columns advance still closer to the crossroads.

Berdan's men fire a pathetic volley that does no damage.

The other Union skirmisher group is more successful.

The rebel force of four groups shakes out into a line.

This Federal force redeploys into line, but not before being caught in column by the first fire of the rebel skirmishers. Significant damage was done.

To be continued...

Perry ACW Artillery SOLD

 I have painted up four stands of Perry plastic artillery. I have all the artillery I need, so I would like to find a good home for these.

$30 per stand plus shipping

$55 per battery of two stands plus shipping

$105 for all four plus shipping

Perry Louisiana Tigers

 Just added four groups and two officers to my Sharp Practice collection. Very fun to paint up.

I got a Battle in a Box set for a great price. I used the zouave sprues plus a sprue of regular infantry to come up with four groups of eight plus two officers. I switched around some of the heads to get a nice variety and the result turned out well, in my humble opinion.

Victrix Republican Romans SOLD

 I have 36 Republican Romans for sale. They are individually based and perfect for Infamy, Infamy or Clash of Spears.

14 Vilites, 18, Hastati or Principes, 2 centurions, 2 signifiers

Little Big Man shield transfers

$180 plus shipping