Matchbox Challenge Ideas

 On the Duchy of Tradgardland and Man of Tin blogs, there has been an ongoing challenge to fit a wargame into a matchbox. It made me think of what I would do. Man of Tin mentioned Peter Laing knights as one option. I thought that Peter Laing WSS artillerymen with linstocks would make good dueling swordsmen. 

However, if one wants a large battle, I think Irregular miniatures 2mm blocks would be a good option. Ideally I think that the user would have to know the rules so it wouldn't be necessary to have a copy of the rules in the box.  I could see using a roster system to keep track of losses and maybe a drawn map for a battlefield.

I have used small containers to carry miniatures and dice to use with Mike Lambos solitaire wargame books.duelist. I believe this is about as small as I could go. I do believe a game in such a small box would be best as a skirmish game.

The matchbox I used is 1/2" thick.

It is 1 &1/2 x 2 inches.

The matchbox with some Irregular 2mm blocks and a couple of scenery pieces.

the small container I used for Mike Lambos solitaire wargame compared to the matchbox.

Miniature dice would work well for this size game.

The mentioned Peter Laing artillerymen that could double as duelists.

Wollner Band

 I came across a nice set of Wollner semiflat marching band. I have been avoiding purchases until I get my first retirement check. However, I have a weakness when it comes to Wollner miniatures, and the seller offered a decent discount so I purchased them. They were marked as being 30mm: comparing them to other 30mm Wollners I believe the are 35mm. However, we are playing with toy soldiers so what's a little size difference?

The Austrian marching band.

The bandsmen compared to my first Wollners. The greys are smaller, but who cares? They are great figures.

I will admit, the bass drummer with the miniature horse. Pulling the bass drum was a major reason I wanted these figures. 

Got in a Wargame..Finally!

 One Halloween night I finally got a wargame in. I dug out my Peter Laing Arabs and got a "No Brain Wargame" in. It's not much, but it's a start.

The "Sudanese" on top, the Arabs on bottom.

The Sudanese dominated  the Arabs from the start.

The Arab army is having their left flank turned. They decide to retreat while they still have an army.