Speaking of Demo games.......

[ochoin]

After some strenuous (but never acrimonious) discussion, my little group & I (5 chaps in total) have settled the broader issues of our annual demonstration wargame at the local Train show in July.

AZW 1. One of us is working on a rather tasty 1/72 Rorke’s Drift model. We’ll need to have the biggest table possible with probably an extension on one side to fit the model. This might also allow two British relief columns. Gullies, long grass, rivers etc to slow down the British & give the Zulus lots of cover/ambush possibilities. We'll have a new terrain cloth for the game to replace our venerable teddy-fur one used in many previous shows. "Eye-candy' is important. 3 of us are bringing figures.

2. Scenario. Everyone knows the movie ‘Zulu’ so we're going with that, but modified. There will be 2 games within a game. A small, historical, fight between Dubulamanzi & Chad, using the small scale Steve Burt rules, while a large, non-historical, fight occurs between a relieving force(s) & Cetaswayo’s army using our modified TMWWBKs. Various Victory Points eg -2 for each supply wagon destroyed, -3 for each section of Rorke’s Drift in Zulu hands etc. This will be on a display board using visual markers.

3. Zulus will be randomly deployed & recycled and….on auto-pilot ie we are all taking British/Colonial roles. Each of us will have distinct commands eg Senior Colonial officer- the old Boer - (tries to minimise casualties on Colonial troops….). Colonel Ponsby – death or glory British general. This will also be on the display board....a sort of league table?

4. Participation- keep in mind we'll be the only wargame & the crowd is overwhelmingly people who have never heard of the hobby. So, there will be explanation & demonstration of rule mechanisms. We also like to have a portfolio of key decisions for any punters (usually kids) to make.....will you cross that gully or not? Should The NMP dismount or retreat? etc
There is also the possibility to allow keen observers with a bit of time, to take command of a single unit.

Still lots to do and lots to decide.

donald

[BaronVonWreckedoften]

So, there will be explanation & demonstration of rule mechanisms.

Just mention the film "Zulu!" and I would imagine many visitors would instantly know what you are talking about.

[Willz the Wargamer]

Look forward to seeing the photo's Donald.



Willz.

[grizzlymc]

Likewise, this sounds like an epic panoply.

[ochoin]

I hope so. We're "small beans" compared to many of the games staged in British shows but our show games are a lot of fun & eagerly looked forward to.

donald