Ruleset vs. Ruleset: Tomorrow's War versus Star Army 5150

I was asked on a forum how I felt Tomorrow's War was compared with Star Army: 5150.

I put a bit of thought into the reply and I think it's worthy of it's own blog entry here.

So without further ado.....

AAR: SA5150: A Surprising Day Patrolling

I've had the Star Army:5150 rules for a while now and been wanting to try them out.  I was particularly intrigued with the solo play aspect of it (and the fact it'd be over in 2hrs was a good selling point too!).  So I printed out the pdf, put a few bulldog clips on it to hold it all together and gave it a whirl.

I'll start off by saying that I didn't strictly adhere to every rule.  I ignored some (defended structures for example), modified others (Man Down test) and invented my own (the advanced combat rifle didn't have a suitable entry so I made it up).

The MNU PMC will count as 'Star Army'- and are armed with ACRs (advanced combat rifles- shoot like an assault rifle but hit like a laser rifle).  

The Prawn Militia will count as 'Planetary Defence Force' but with a campaign morale of 3.  

CAMPAIGN SETTING: District 10: AO Buffel

Campaign Morale: 

MNU PMC: "Ark-Light Company"- Morale 3 and Contesting

Prawn Militia: "Talon Battatlion"- Morale 3 and Controlling

Investment Level:

MNU PMC: 3

Prawn Militia: 3 

Ark-Light PMC: Zulu Platoon: Call-sign "21A"

Klotz and his fire team

Star (Squad leader): Lt. Klotz - Rep 5, Star Power, Larger than life, Cheating death, Free will

My Project This Weekend- Fog of War Cards

I have only spent a fraction of this weekend painting (and half of it working!).  I wanted to show what I've been dabbling with.

Annoying, there aren't any Fog of War cards that come in a stand alone packet.  My attempts to print out on paper and have turned out dismally- I have to apologise to the tree that sacrificed itself for my endeavour- so I did a bit of looking around online.

There are actually a lot of companies online that do create custom playing cards.  But I found them difficult to use and really not that adaptable to the needs of a gamer.  So a little bit more sniffing around landed me on the blog page of an 'All Things Zombie' player who created custom event cards for his games.

Anyways- I've spent today scouring the internet for suitably modern pictures to create a custom deck just for me.  (Two decks actually- as there are 72 cards in the Tomorrow's War FoW 'deck'- not 54).  It consists of the Tomorrow's War deck and a few added cool ones from Force on Force- like the reinforcement ones.

The interface I'm using to create the cards isn't the friendliest so it's dragged on a bit.  But not to worry, I'll persevere!

I'll add that this is totally unofficial,  not backed by Ambush Alley Games and is strictly for my use only   (i.e not a commercial enterprise).  Just a bit more effort to get a nice gaming experience for my gaming group.

P.S.
As an aside- I'm happy to refer readers to my two TW FoW decks- just put your email in the comments section and I'll email the link to you.  I'm not going to put the link on public display because I don't want to tread on anyone's toes!

Tomorrow's War AAR - The Rescue

Background

It was unusual.  Being pulled off the usual pointless "presence patrols" and being sent off into the boonies.  All of a sudden the vehicles we were in drove off Route 6 and dropped us off in the middle of nowhere.  We piled out, wondering what was going on.  Our sixth senses were tingling.    

The patrol commander, Klotz, gathered us in a huddle and gave a quick set of orders for a fighting patrol.  I'll spare you the details, but The Company wanted this done.  One guy- another merc- had become separated from his unit during a gun battle with a gang of prawns in the area.  The Company's board were worried- they didn't want a captured human being beheaded (or eaten even!).  The negative effects of District 9 were still being felt today.

How did I feel about it?  I felt for the guy- the trapped soldier.  If it was me- yes, I'd want Zulu Platoon kicking down doors and hosing enemy with lead.  So I checked my magazine, fell into formation and started patrolling forward.

Another Five MNU

Click for bigger image!

A quick snap of another 5 RUSK completed.  4 riflemen and one ATGM guy readying his next missile.

I'll take better photos come the weekend but this'll do for now.

The key difference is the lack of shine- thanks to Testors.  I think I will respray the others to get rid of that shine.

The grass is 4mm long and a bit too long for my taste.  I really have to try and get some 2mm.  Oh well!

Testors Dullcote Is *Really* That Good

After having heard so much about it- I finally got some and tried it out.

And by the way, it hasn't been from want of trying.  It hasn't been available for purchase in my city for over 12 months!  And when my hobby store finally got hold of 12 cans, I immediately bought 3.  Just on spec.

Verdict?

It really is that good.

I've just sprayed another 5 RUSK models and there is ZERO SHINE.  I may even re-varnish some of the models I've already done in cheap matte varnish.

Excellent stuff.

Remember, A Smile Is Cheaper Than A Bullet....

Platoon HQ: Sergeant, Lieutenant, Signaller, Medic

I refuse to surrender to the rat race.  The more I'm forced to work and do my post grad stuff- the more I paint.  (And the less sleep I get!)

Medic- rear view

Signaller- side view (sorry, bit blurry!)

I've really become very fond of these RUSK miniatures.  They are a bit shiny because of a generic matt varnish spray that I used on them.  I think the next batch I'll do will have to be with Testor's Dullcote (which has finally arrived in Australia!!!! Hoooray!).

Fire team- high tech RPG and high tech RPK

 

Another fire team- ATGM and minigun

Another fire team- minigun

Sniper and energy weapon in this group

I haven't formally grouped anyone into squads yet (except for PHQ- and even then I might even add another rifleman as a runner).  I am a big fan of standardisation in the orbatt.  I know, it's very OCD.  At the moment, the sniper and mini gunners count as light support weapons.  Any other big bang weapons count as RPGs or LAWs.  

I do have a few other RUSKs to paint, so I'll get cracking since the coming month is going to get very, very busy (work wise).  Once they are done, I'll make another small order for 20mm bases and a handful of RUSK miniatures to flesh out the platoon.  The spare rifleman guys left over?  Well- someone's going to have to drive their armoured vehicles.

Group photo for the guys done so far.