This is the first post for an exciting project that I have been working at on and off for the last 3 years or so. As readers of this blog may remember, I did a demo game on this subject at Partizan some while back (see under labels) and have retained a real interest in this final Soviet offensive on the Eastern Front. As I read more about it, I started to think that it would make a really interesting wargaming guide, in the style of the popular and lovely campaign books produced by Colin and Richard of Rapid Fire fame. Over the last few months I have started to push the project along and it is now within sight of the finishing post.
So what will it be like. Well I have enlisted the help of technical people who know what they are doing to help with the layout and photography - from the early drafts that I have, it should look lovely. It will be a glossy A4 production with fully illustrated front and rear covers (inside and out) and 56 internal pages. There are 12 scenarios, between 3 and 6 pages each, plus plenty of hopefully interesting background information. Each scenario will be supported by specially commissioned maps and full colour photos. There are also lots of additional rules and amendments to the basic Rapid Fire set, which hopefully capture some of the characteristics of the operation.
Although the orders of battle are expressed in Rapid Fire terms (we have used these rules ever since they first came out), they can easily be amended for other rule sets. A couple of the games are quite large and would suit a day long club game, the majority though are suitable for a typical 3-4 hour evening bash.
Here are three of the photos that didn't make the team (at least in this form).
Well I think that is about it for now. As the project nears completion (I am hoping to publish in November), I will put more information on the blog. Keep popping back to check or "Follow" the blog if you aren't doing so already. Hopefully you will find it of interest. If you have any questions, you can contact me at steveshann@blueyonder.co.uk
Looking good!
ReplyDeleteVery interesting project.
ReplyDeleteI am very pleased to see another eastern front book supporting RF being developed. Did you get the blessings from Colin and Richard? Or is RF not really mentioned - so a generic approach broadly suitable to RF?
ReplyDeleteThanks Chris. There isn't that much at all on the Eastern Front unfortunately, I hope this will help fill the gap. Because we have used RF ever since they came out, the orders of battle are expressed in those terms and I have added a short chapter on alternative/additional rules, but it is not in any way "official". That said, I have been influenced by their own beautifully produced guides and supplements, so I suppose it is an "homage" in that sense.
DeleteExcellent! I am very much looking forward to this. My concern about treading on the RF territory comes from that unsanctioned book for the Korean War that was released with all the hallmarks of an official RF book. It was closed down quickly.....
DeleteHi Chris. Yes, I remember that, in fact a friend of mine has a copy. As I recall it had Rapid Fire emblazoned across the cover and seemed to be trying to give the impression that it was an "official" publication. Colin and Richard were quite right to take action. This is simply a scenario book making no such claim; I have expressed the orbats in RF terms largely because they are the rules that I use but the scenarios can be used with other rule sets as I make clear in the book.
DeleteI have walked the battlefield a couple of times and though I do not "do" Rapid Fire I will follow your work with great interest.
ReplyDeleteLooking forward to the book Steve
ReplyDeleteThanks guys. It has been an interesting project. Looking forward to seeing it finished.
ReplyDeleteHi Steve,
ReplyDeleteWhat a great project,as soon as it hits the streets I will be in for a copy
Thanks Howard appreciate that (even though as a mate you are a bit biased)! Even so I think you will like it.
ReplyDeleteExciting Steve, look forward to playing some of these games when we are allowed again.
ReplyDeleteAbsolutely. I think we all have withdrawal symptoms.
DeleteSounds great. Should be a top guide for people who want a scenario book off the shelf; not to mention a colourful joy to look at!
ReplyDeleteRegards, James
Thanks James. The photos we have so far are looking pretty good, so hopefully it will be a joy to behold!!
DeleteFabulous Steve, look forward to the book.
ReplyDeletecheers
Matt
French Wargames Holidays
Cheers Matt. Shouldn't be long now.
ReplyDelete