AAR: Brisbane Muster 2013 - Western Front July 1918

[Carl_Brisgamer]

Last weekend saw the running of the Brisbane Muster 2013, the city's major yearly public wargaming event. It is on a much smaller scale than Cancon but still provides a chance for players to catch up and try new games and a venue for traders to hawk their wares.



On Saturday morning I set up my table to run WGF - a July 1918 scenario where an RE8 from 3 Sqn AFC had to conduct a reconnaissance sortie over a German-occupied Belgian railyard. The 'Harry Tate' would be escorted by SE5as of 2 Sqn AFC and Sopwith Camels of 4 Sqn AFC.



The Germans were fielding a mixed flight of Fokker D.VIIs, a Fokker Triplane and a Pfalz D.IIIa to oppose the Australians.



With so many games on offer the punters had a good look at the tables before trying them out, so I spent the first couple of hours touting the game. Forum member Wayne aka 'Whiskey Sierra' turned up to play, and my daughter Amelie volunteered to be my wingman!


From left to right, Joe, Mark and Wayne discuss their tactics.

We soon had two more pilots sign up, Mark and Joe who wanted to fly the SE5a and Camel. Wayne bravely agreed to take the RE8, Amelie took a Fokker Dr.I (I want the zebra plane Daddy!) and I flew a Fokker D.VII. We used altitude rules and the new players had no problems with the red arrows and how they worked. The SE5a and the Germans started at altitude 6, the Camel at 5 and the RE8 at 4.



It did not take long for the bullets to start flying, but to everyone's surprise it was Amelie's Dreidecker getting in the first burst.......



and then another on Mark's SE5a.



Mark and the boys discuss how to shake this persistent young pilot!



Amelie's manoeuvre card choices are impeccable and she again blasts Mark's SE.......



which proves to be enough to send his stricken aircraft down! Her guns also jam but Amelie is satisfied with the result.



Amelie celebrates being the first to win a 'victory cup'......



but shows she is a good sport shaking hands with Mark, who still can't believe he was shot down by a nine year old!

More action to follow.

[Carl_Brisgamer]

With Mark's SE5a down and Joe's Camel out of position I attacked Wayne's RE8. Wayne's manoeuvring put him out of position to take his photo, so instead he returned fire on my D.VII. On the first burst my guns jammed! The saving grace was that Wayne's observer also had a stoppage.



We spent the next three manoeuvre cards watching each other clear our guns as I followed him at close range.



Meanwhile Mark came back on flying another SE5a, and soon after another player Dennis joined the fray flying another Fokker D.VII.



Wayne's 'Harry Tate' cops a packet from the Hun fighters, with his observer returning fire.



Mark's new SE5a and Joe's Camel to the rescue!



Wayne's RE8 observer gets a burst in on my D.VII.



The newcomer Dennis gets the final burst on Wayne's RE8, claiming a victory.



Dennis shows off his 'victory cup'.



After chasing the dogfight for most of the battle, Joe's Camel finally gets some action.



Unfortunately luck is not on Joe's side as a snap burst from my D.VII sets his aircraft alight!



Joe is undaunted and attacks Dennis' D.VII.........



but my next burst sends him down in flames. We called the battle at that point - with two scouts and the RE8 shot down a German victory was declared. Mark and Joe were a bit unlucky with their damage card draw - out of their combined 11 'A' cards they only got one Zero.



The combatants from left to right, Wayne aka Whiskey Sierra, Amelie, Joe, Mark and yours truly. Dennis had to quickly land and take his turn volunteering in the kitchen! Despite being shot down both Mark and Joe were very keen to have another go, so we stuck with WGF and set up for game 2.

[Lt. S.Kafloc]

Great set up and love the cup idea. Engraved or label? Metal or plastic?

[Carl_Brisgamer]

Great set up and love the cup idea. Engraved or label? Metal or plastic?

Plastic trophies, 3 to a packet for $2. The inscriptions are printed on an A4 page of adhesive labels cut to size.

With ink and labels they probably cost me less than 75c each.

[Carl_Brisgamer]

Great set up and love the cup idea. Engraved or label? Metal or plastic?

[Lt. S.Kafloc]

Yep just sourced 2 in UK. £2.95 for 6 and the other £3 for 6, gold or silver.

[Flying Officer Kyte]

Looks like another great time was had by all.
Those cups are inspirational Carl.
rob.

[Brambo]

Great report Carl, nice photos and I love the idea behind the cups.

[flash]

Well done all and especially Amelie for showing the Olds how it's done - good skills !

[Bruno.hofke]

Very good event. It is inspired to see new players having much success.
Nice cups