Light Bobs Solo Campaign, Battle 2: The Crossroads

Light Bobs Solo Campaign, Battle 2: The Crossroads

Our Story So Far

Our hero, then-Captain Smyth, in command of the fictitious 1st battalion/250th Regiment, and his faithful Lieutenant Royce shipped out of Boston—the starting zone on the campaign map—and headed south toward New York. They performed so well that a unit of Loyalist Militia joined them, adding another 60 men to their ranks.

The Loyalists have now been uniformed in green and been given some rudimentary training. They are still considered milita but their Training Level has raised been raised from D to C. The 250th Regiment (fictitious) then joined the British army while they reformed in Nova Scotia during 1776.

This is the second battle in Lt. Colonel Smyth’s solo campaign. Readers who missed the beginning can first read Part 1: The Ambush.

British Objective: Occupy and hold the hill overlooking the crossroads until Clinton’s flanking force arrives.
British Entry: North table edge, entering by the road.
Colonial Deployment: Two Units begin on the hill.
Colonial Reinforcements: Two Units arrive on Turn 3 and the final Unit on Turn 4 by the southern road.
Special Circumstance: Smyth advanced without sending scouts ahead.

If you recall Captain Smyth was promoted after his last battle to Lt. Colonel, Military Rank 4 (MR4) in Light Bobs terms. This raised the strength of his Regiment to 400 men plus the 60 Loyalists that joined him. Lt. Colonel Smyth and his Regiment have now sailed to Long Island NY and are preparing to engage the Rebels with their German Allies in what will later be known as The Battle of Long Island.

The Mission

Lt. Colonel Smyth has been given orders to march through a small possibly unguarded pass a little east of Bedford onto the Jamaica Road. He is to march to west to the first crossroad and occupy the hill nearby and hold it and the crossroad until General Clinton’s flanking force arrives to relieve him.

As this is a failry long post with more details on the rule mechanics during the game I have created it as a full page on the website.

The Crossroads >>>

August 18, 2026August 18, 2026

Remembering Marx Toys Play Sets

Remembering Marx Toys Play Sets

I was looking at a post a few minutes ago on Facebook of green army men set up out in the yard and that got me to thinkng about my history with little green army men.

I imagine most of us started out with them or perhaps smaller plastics like Airfix. That got me thinking about a documentory I found on Marx Toys. I had saved the link and present it here for all you young at hearts gamers 🙂

Marx Toys Documentory >>>

August 17, 2026

Warning Order Issue 72 Free pdf Magazine

Warning Order Issue 72 – Free pdf Magazine

Ok I have been following this magazine for a few yars and every time it comes out I download it from a news link on The Miniatures Page and promptly tell myself I need to mention this to my peeps (that is you dear reader) and I never find the “round to it” to do it 🙁

First off here is a link to their home page where you can see what they about (located in Utah) and then you can download not only the recent issue but all the back issues as well (and for free).

This issue features battle reports using Warmaster Ancients, General D’Armee 2, The Sword and the Flame, Fire & Fury, and more. There are two new Engagements scenarios for wargamers, as well as part five in the One Day Campaigns series. A look back at Lou Zocchi, old fantasy figures, boardgame reviews, and an editorial are all included as well. You can get the issue directly by going here.

All of the other issues can be found here.

All of the Warning Order issues and campaigns can be found at Wargame Vault, in case the WFHGS site bandwidth gets exceeded, which tends to happen when new issues come out!

August 14, 2026August 15, 2026

Cry Havoc Being re-Published by Footsore Games

Classic Medieval Skirmish Game “Cry Havoc” To Be Re-Published

From Footsore Games

“From what I can tell, the artwork and maps have been upgraded but the rules themselves may be pretty much the same as original (but maybe with some clarifications). It will have counters for the soldiers, I believe, and play like a board game. All I have seen thus far is the description on the Footsore Miniatures website. With larger hex maps, miniatures could be used.”

From Fellow Gamer – Coopman

Cry Havoc! New art on the way…

Make sure to sign up to be notified of the Launch on Kickstarter

You may have seen glimpses of our fantastic remaster of Gary Chalk’s 1981 classic board game Cry Havoc. Set in the 13th century, the game puts players in command of a mixed warband of knights, serjeants and peasants, fighting small skirmishes across a variety of different battlefields. The rules also simulate non-combatants, with frightened peasants running across the scorched earth.

Gary’s evocative art style is evident throughout, bringing the characters to life.

We are aware that many of you use miniatures and are keen to jump right back into the game, and may want new models. Whilst we agree we’d love to have a fresh range of miniatures, we have to focus on producing a quality boxed game that reflects the spirit of the original Cry Havoc in line with Gary’s wishes.

Astute readers will note that Cry Havoc’s 13th-century setting aligns perfectly with Paul Hicks’ characterful sculpts for the Baron’s War range, produced in collaboration with us here at Footsore. These would make an amazing starting point for those of you wanting to play with miniatures rather than counters.

Read the previous article, Cry Havoc! is coming back” HERE

August 13, 2026

Game Markers Info sheet for Light Bobs II

Game Markers Info sheet for Light Bobs II

I have started page layout for the new version of Light Bobs. It will contain a lot of great “approved” re-enactor images and game examples using the BW drawings I showed in a previous post here >>>

I wanted to share a new game aid I have designed for the different markers used in the game and how they are placed on the table.

I hope you will comment here if you like it or not and if you can see any issues or have any suggestions to make it better.

You can click on the image for a larger view.

As always thank you for your eyes and your time 🙂

Chris

August 13, 2026

Game Poet goes to Historicon

Our very own Game Poet aka Mark T. went to Historicon last month. He was going to run a number of Concord Bridge games using Light Bobs.

In our last AAR post from Russ Lockwood Mark’s game was featured .

I have taken screen shots and am placing them here for you all to enjoy.

Our original report on Cocord Bridge at Havoc Con this last spring is here >>>

Russ’s AAR talking about it can be found here >>>

Concord Bridge at Historicn 2026 — Light Bobs – Concord Bridge Game

Thank you Mark 🙂

July 30, 2026

AAR Wargames with Russ Lockwood – Historicon

Back from the the most entertaining and inspirational HMGS Historicon 2026 convention — full recap in this AAR. Granted, I can’t be everywhere, though I try. Plus the AAR contains the usual recaps of miniatures and other games, news, and so on. Alas, in this busy month, something had to give and my book reviews were only half the usual. But August looks to be getting back to normal.

Enjoy!

After Action Report Newsletter — July 2026

Historicon 2026: Another Success
Tabletop Deception: Snappy Nappy 1808
Triple Threat: A Trio of EuroGames
Robin Hood: Welcome to Sherwood
More Age of Sail: Hexes
Brooding With Bugs: Invasion
New Wave War of the Worlds: UK Invasion
Aeon’s End: The New Age
HMGS Next Generation: Heating Up
NEWS: Games, Minis, Conventions, and more

Books I’ve Read

The Battle of Leuctra: 371 BC
Under The Red Banner: 43rd Guards Tank Brigade WWII
French Tanks and the Great War
Seeking the Saxon Shore: Forts
The War To End All Wars: NJ’s Role in WWI
The Panzer Archives: Volume 1
Scottish Rebellion Against Robert the Bruce
Partisans & Guerrillas WWII: Images of War
Time Trials (sci-fi novel)
T-72 Main Battle Tank

Russ

About Russ Lockwood >>>

July Newsletter >>>

July 25, 2026July 25, 2026

Lion Rampant 2026 Update #5: Tourney Reports

Lion Rampant 2026 Update #5:

The Lion Rampant 2 Player Games at MHWA Game Day is actually this Saturday July 25th 9am and 2pm, and has been corrected below !!!

July 25th in the Sebago room at the Doubletree hotel in South Portland.

Mark T.

Hello Everyone!

Some folks might be receiving our newsletter for the first time, and we welcome you on board!

Albany Spring Bash Report this past April …
Peter Landry wrapped up his second tourney win of the year with 3 wins, no losses, using a “Feudal Garrison” army this time, and scoring 50 points across 3 games. Meanwhile, newcomer Mike playing “Free Company” took 2nd place with 2 wins, and on tie break scoring 68 points. Mike K. playing “Normans”, took 3rd place scoring 60 points on 2 wins. Other 2 win players were Croft with “Early English” (4th place, 60 points), Steve with “Normans” (5th place, 36 points), and Mark T. with “Feudal Garrison” (6th place, 30 points). Four other players, Peter (Polish), John (Welsh), Bill (Early English), and Ken (French) filled out the 10 player tourney.

Huzzah! Convention Friendly Tourney, this past May …
Mark T. placed 1st in this tournament with a score of 2 1/2 wins, no losses, using an “Italian Communal” army, and scoring 20 points. Peter Landry placed 2nd with his “Feudal Garrison” having 2 wins, and scoring 40 points. Meanwhile, a first time tourney player, Thomas Pinette was playing “Normans” while taking 3rd place also with 2 wins and scoring 36 points. Other players included John Rigley playing “Steppe Tribes” and Greg playing “Teutonic” each with 1 win, while Hani Zubi brought up the rear with 1/2 a point playing “Flemish” during this 6 player event held in South Portland, Maine at the Huzzah! convention.

Lion Rampant 2026 League Play …
We’ve started a trial run for “Lion Rampant League Play” this year. Player results are being tallied across the tourneys run in the Northeast during 2026. We’re tracking wins & losses, points scored, and armies played.

For now, we’re still deciding on how best to post the over all 2026 results as they move forward from here. In the meantime … upcoming tourneys for this are being listed below.

Upcoming Events:

1.) Lion Rampant 2 Player Games at MHWA Game Day in South Portland, July 25th … at Doubletree Hotel, 363 Maine Mall Rd, 2 sessions, 9am (3 of 6 slots still available), and 2pm (6 of 6 slots still available).

Pick your army from 2nd Edition rules, while 6 different 25/28mm medieval armies are available to choose from or bring your own army, 3 tables of scenery will be available as well, get to play more than one 2 hour game, beginners are encouraged and welcome!

2.) Lion Rampant Summer Bash in Albany NY, August 15th … at The Fortress of Gaming, 18 Railroad Ave.

Room for 12 players, and if there is a larger pre-sign up, tables might be added. Start time is 11am, each round 2 hours, armies are 24 points from 2nd Edition pages 177 to 192, loaner armies are available, “standard” rules will apply. Number of rounds to be determined, $5 cover charge at the door. Reply to this email, and we’ll let the organizers know you’re going.

Other events are planned for Council Con in Sept, Carnage in Oct, and Fall-In in Nov, details TBD.

– – –

By the way … this newsletter is for events and games in the Northeast using Lion Rampant or other associated rules using their format. A person can send info directly to <mailto:gamespoet@aol.com> gamespoet@aol.com, and we’ll include you on our list.

Feel free to reply with questions!

Cheers!
Mark T.
P.S. If anyone is not interested in being on our list, then let us know.

July 18, 2026

Helen of Toy Comic Book Toy Page

Helen of Toy – Reminder

I posted this months ago as a page but wanted to remind my readers that it is always a fun read and glimpse back into the childhood of many of us uncluding myself 🙂

I have had a fascination for the Helen of Toys line since I was very young. My first recollection was getting the American Revolutionary War set when I was in 1st or second grade. They were of course the flat version with the canons molded together in two or three deep pieces. I have a set of these today.

I recently found a website that listed all of the games. I will place the link here but I wanted to recreate it so it would live on – chris P.

Link >>>

A celebration of the long running ads for various plastic soldiers

Many of these toy soldiers ads were games, and came with rules and maps by the Helen of Toy company

That’s Helen of Toy…Toy!

The whole article can be found here >>>

July 7, 2026July 7, 2026

Society of Ancients – Convention News

16th to 18th October 2026 Cranfield University England

Greetings Chris,
The annual Society Convention is a weekend residential gathering held in the autumn in the UK (so far), and is a chance for wargamers and those interested in military history to gather and share ideas and enjoy new wargames rules and ideas with like-minded wargamers. There are various ticket options with or without residential accommodation.
The 2026 Society of Ancients Convention will this year take place at Cranfield University, Cranfield, Bedfordshire MK43 0AL over the weekend 16th-18th October 2026.
We are delighted to say we are able to maintain the prices from last year, as follows:
· Full weekend package: Friday dinner, bed and breakfast; Saturday lunch, dinner, bed and breakfast; Sunday lunch; plus all teas/coffees – £290
· Conference package: Saturday lunch, dinner, bed and breakfast; Sunday lunch; plus all teas/coffees – £200
· Single Day only Saturday: includes Saturday lunch; plus all teas/coffees – £40
· Single Day only Sunday: includes Sunday lunch; plus all teas/coffees – £40
The Convention is an opportunity to participate in a plethora of battles using a variety of both new and well-worn rulesets. In many cases, the rules authors and various experts are on hand for discussion.
Our Keynote Speaker this year is Anne Curry, Emeritus Professor of Medieval History at the University of Southampton and the author of several books on Medieval history including her Agincourt: A New History which re-shaped views of the battle. At our Convention her subject will be I counted them all out and I counted them all back: The problem of numbers in late medieval battles.
Games already confirmed include:
· A refight of the battle of Dara 530 AD from Simon MacDowall using his new version of his Comitatus rules which are being officially launched at the Convention.
· Nick Harbud is staging his The Day After Cunaxa so you can find out what (may have) happened next after this years Battle Day battle
· And I will run another Romans in Britannia adventure, with possibly some returning characters from those who survived last years bloody denouement

As usual, a full programme of events and games will be published nearer the date.
Booking is now open on the Society website <soa.org.uk/convention/> or by cheque sent to the Treasurer made payable to the Society of Ancients. Please note that bookings must be made by 31st August. After that date we cannot guarantee that places will be available.
If you have a game for the Convention and for all other enquiries, please email Convention@soa.org.uk <mailto:Convention@soa.org.uk> .

See you there!
Richard Lockwood

Other Society of Ancients News
Come visit the Society of Ancients at the following shows:
· Attack! <ddwg.org.uk/?page_id=341> at Devizes, 18-19th July.
· Colours <www.nrwc.org.uk/demo-participation> at Newbury, 5th September.
· Warfare <wargamesreading.co.uk/warfare-2026/> at Farnborough, 14-15th November.
· SquareBASH! <www.formsquaregames.com/squarebash> – at the Europa Gatwick Hotel, 29th-31st January 2027.

You are receiving this email because you are either a current or former Member of the Society of Ancients. To view the Societys privacy notice, please visit the website www.soa.org.uk <www.soa.org.uk>