Monday, October 8, 2012

Outdoors Adventures


So an actuary, an archivist and a French literature prof walk into an open field...

Sylvain wanted to use his 1:1200 WW2 battleships in a Fletcher Pratt style game, so he decided that we would do it grand scale and play in a park.  With winter approaching, this was best done sooner than later so Sylvain, Curt and I went out to play with toy ships in the park today (much to my family's amusement).

Today's weather was, well bloody cold and miserable...Ok my picture didn't work but the weather network has the following readings at 2pm on October +6C (-2C with windchill), and winds of 43kph from the NW.


I had two USN battleships (USS Colorado and Arizona, based on neither ship being at Pearl Harbour on the 7th) while Curt  fielded the Kongo and Ise for the IJN, with Sylvain acting as GM.  After about 35 minutes of game time (about an hour and a bit of real time) we traded some hits with my eyesight proving superior to Curt's.  He decided to cut and run, which was quite alright with me.  I did my running sprinting across King's Road park chasing down ship logs and turning circles blown away by the gale force winds.

I am sure that Curt will post much better pictures but here are the ones off of my I phone.

Colorado (to the right) leading Arizona

Same ships but from a lower angle.

My fleet in line a head.

Sylvain and Curt by the IJN force from the USN position.


Sylvain takes measurements while Curt takes photos.  Note the paint roller shell splashes - very effective!

We're ranging in on the target.

Curt's shots are short but getting closer.

Rules discussion.

A hit!



14 comments:

  1. Interesting idea, Peter. Now that I think of it, that might be just the ticket for playing with Old Glory 1/600 pre-dreadnoughts. Or maybe use a giant blue tarp if it's not too windy.

    Regards,
    Steve

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    Replies
    1. Cpl Trim

      The tarp would have been in the next province today!.

      Peter

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  2. Wouldn't it have been better to wait until the snow was down for a more ocean like surface?

    Actually now I think about it maybe you should plan a Murmansk convoy game? (subs under the snow of course)

    I hope you were at least allowed binoculars and range finders.

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    Replies
    1. Ross

      It did feel like a Murmansk convoy. Luckily I had a trusty thermos mug of tea to keep me warm.
      And no, we were not allowed any artificial aids only the naked eyes.
      Cheers

      PD

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  3. It was a fun game (even with the crazy weather), but I think my pre-game fortifying shots of scotch did not help my range-finding capabilities... Nonetheless the Kongo did manage a face saving salvo which made the staggering retreat a bit more bearable.

    To next spring's engagement!

    Curt

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  4. Marvellous! I am delighted to see you've been doing something so completely ridiculous. It does look a bit chilly though... More please!

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    Replies
    1. TIm

      Curt has much better photos over at http://analogue-hobbies.blogspot.ca
      Being the Japanese admiral he had access to much better camera technology. The cold wasn't too bad but the wind was brutal, at one point it blew over the heavy tool box (full of chunks of 2x4) that Sylvain used to transport his gear.

      We did discuss dressing up the part but opted out much to my wife's disappointment.

      Cheers
      PD

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  5. Subs under the snow? That an idea! Why wait for Spring :-).

    Thanks, Peter, for having been as sturdy as a seasoned sailor in the gale.

    Sylvain

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    Replies
    1. Sylvain

      I may regret mentioning this but Featherstone discusses using magnets and compasses to simulation ASDIC (or Sonar for our Yankee colleagues).

      Salut
      PD

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  6. Hi Peter,

    Completely bonkers but I absolutely love it! I hope the Thermos had something stronger than tea in it!

    All the best,

    DC

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    Replies
    1. DC

      Unfortunately in this case the tea was just tea.

      Cheers
      PD

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  7. Brilliant but totally mad! Well done Gentlemen.

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  8. Saw this over on Curts blog, what a great idea it was, looked damn cold though!!

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