Following the tank games at Berwick Wargames Association described a few blogs ago I decided to “liberate” my 1/76 scale WW1 tanks from the loft and paint them. I decided to give these a run this week (I still have the whippet tanks and some more FT17’s to complete, but maybe after Christmas).  I also wanted to try the Warhammer Great War rules which basically use the Warhammer 40k  tank mechanisms that both myself and Dave S were very familiar with. I had also painted my set of large craters which have come up absolutely awesome if I could be so modest.

The Germans were painted up in a grey/green camo whereas the British were painted in desert yellow for use in Palestine. I have modeled all eight that were used in that theatre. The paint colour is a major cause of debate, however several black and white photos show them in a “light” colour. From this I have conjectured that they were painted the same as the Rolls Royce armoured cars that we know were a desert yellow. The rear wheels used to assist with steering were not modeled as these were problematic in the Palestine sand and were removed not long after their arrival.

The French FT17’s were painted in their standard yellow/brown/green swirly camo, but were not used for this game (we did try them later but that is another story).

The games were quick, with just driving the tanks being more dangerous to their well-being than any enemy action – more like being in a demolition derby than on a battle field. This was realistic as of the 49 that started the battle when they were first used only 32 made the start line and only 7 reached the German lines.

Before moving each tank you tested if the vehicle broke down. A roll of a one meant you had to roll against the break down table. On at least one occasion a German A7V didn’t even get to move before it broke down with a catastrophic roll.

The British tanks continued to get stuck in gear allowing them to only move straight ahead until they were destroyed or hit something, the first meeting its demise in a head-on collision with a destroyed A7V and another presenting side armour to the enemy as they blissfully passed their front unaware that their main gun was targeting them.

A good fun night that allowed for plenty of time to give presents, drink egg nog (and red of course), eat mince pies and talk copious quantities of BS. Of particular amusement was a discussion on Ground Hog Day when without even noticing it David S took us back to the start of the conversation again – I thought I would never get out of the loop!!! Being stuck in a ground hog day loop with your wargaming mates does not figure too highly in my best ways to spend the festive season!

If I don’t blog before the great day have a wonderful time and in the New Year may you die always roll in your favour unless, of course,  I am sitting opposite.

Merry Christmas.