"Donbas Crossroads - picture log" Topic

Scale fans, an AAR of a 3rd-running of this Ukraine Conflict scenario – and with new results versus the first outings.

This game played out differently, and could be characterized as a tale of two fights – the initial reconnaissance was hit hard by fire from the DNR platoon dug in at the crossroad position (with good Separatist activations occurring early in the turn sequencing). Then following the initial 'shock' of these losses, the Ukranian players responded well to recover, and continue on with their scouting mission – "END – FIRST CONTACT" chapter.

Next in the scenario, was basically the Ukrainian main body forces needing to reduce the crossroad opposition, while also responding to a new threat as an arriving 'DNR' (aka Russian) reinforcing column began entering the area – this beginning the second portion of the game – "THE MEETING ENGAGEMENT" chapter.

In this fighting, the commander of the remaining, supporting T-64 was able to gain a good overwatch position, to interdict the avenues of approach of the arriving Russian armor. Assisted by early activation opportunities, this allowed the Ukrainian team to defeat the reinforcing Russian elements – "END – FINAL ACTION" chapter, and "MATCH".

I really enjoyed hosting this scenario again, and seeing it well-played as the action unfolded (and to relate here the story told).

Some eye candy for the 1/144th scale viewing –

Intersting pictures, what groundscale are you using?

Thanks UshCha, and glad you caught the post here (was checking if anyone does, or if they're just staying on the '10mm' page).

My rules ground scale is 1" = 50 meters

That is a great looking game, FlyXwire!

So does 1 vehicle represent several?

Thanks Pete!

UshCha, it's a platoon-unit activation game, with smaller sections represented when included in the scenario (for sub-platoons, HQs, specialist teams, etc., in this scenario there was a single, guarding BTR stationed at the crossroads).

Vehicles are represented one-for-one, and infantry squads here as a fireteam + RPG team stand each. ATGM teams, or Manpads, HMGs, etc., are represented as support weapons stands.

For example, the crossroads here was being held by one supporting BTR-80, and a dug-in platoon of DNR Separatist infantry (3 squads + an ATGM team). The entrenched squads were Hidden at the start of the scenario, but the trenches are visible locations to the arriving Ukrainians, that needed to be scouting out to reveal any occupying enemy defenders – the crossroads was the initial objective.

The BTR was visible down the road avenue with LOS, and the supporting ATGM team within the platoon defense opened up immediately also – this started the game engagement, and for the first couple of turns, the Ukrainian recon BRDMs were just trying to return effective fire as they took casualties. It wasn't until the main body arrived in road column (T-64 section + BTR-70 Motorized Platoon), that the Ukrainians were able to build up enough firepower to neutralize the Anti-armor fire coming out of the Separatist position around the crossroad.

Each player side got an area map, with their objectives, and/or deployment areas notated, then received a situational briefing. They had mission(s), and were largely unaware of their opposition's objectives, or what the enemy tasks would be.

Here's the DNR/Russian deployment map that team received – this plastic laminated so the stands at the crossroads could be located using a dry-erasable marker -

Btw Capt. Pete, and UshCha -

HAPPY NEW YEARS to you!

One More Time……

Featured the scenario at our monthly games day yesterday, and didn't plan on taking any pics of the action this time, but friend Fitz caught this one on his phone, which I thought looked pretty sharp.

Going to pack this game kit up on a shelf now, and move onto other presentations (but this little scenario had a good run for sure).

I do like the smoke, what is it made of? Personally that markers is too "in your face" for me. I prefer such things to be less obtrusive while still doing the job. Even a bit of grey ink would tone it down.

Ush, I don't have to have those markers on-board, as they're just tracking the activations.

When I get back to the playing the ruleset again, likely with the WW2 variant, I'll try to keep this in mind (anything that improves a game's visuals or immersion is good in my book too).