Fort Devens Miniature Game Day

   

  On Saturday morning 19 November my buddy John picked me up and off we went to the Fort Devens Museum Miniature Gaming day.  The museum hosts a day of gaming and its a great fun experience.  Its not a big event, more of a small get together with friends.  Fort Devens was established to train American soldiers for the First World War and was active until closed in a cost cutting move in 1996.  There is still a small reserve unit trading area on the grounds.  This is my second time attending and I plan on making it a annual event.

The museum traces the history of the base from its day as Camp Devens in 1917 to its closure.   There are exhibits of uniforms, equipment and models.  Many individuals are highlighted which gives it a personal feel.  Events like this one help to remind the public about the museum and bring in visitors.

  As for games there was a very nice selection .  Each  were filled up and all looked outstanding.  Because individuals who had never played miniatures games were encouraged to attend game masters were very patient and encouraging to all.  Here were some of the games offered.  There were many more but these are ones I was most familiar with.  Please excuse me and except my humble apologies if I did not mention your game.

Soloman Island Encounter run by Frank Sheppard using his home brew naval rules.  IJN and US Navy units run into each other in a free for action.

Belleau Woods June 1918 by Arofan Gregory.  Newly arrived American soldier must hold A trench line against waves of German assault troops.

Battle of the River Rasin  June 1812.  Peter Lowitt's reenactment of the battle in the War if 1812.  "Remember the Raisin!". Can American volunteers hold out against British, Canadian and Native Warriors?  

Battle of Sandy Hook War of 1812  by Adam Carriere (https://fencingfrog.blogspot.com) using the Black Seas rules.  A " What If" naval action off of  New York harbour.  A American fleet of Frigates encountered A British squadron in a historically possible battle.

  I played in this game and it was Outstanding!  Beautiful ship models incredibly detailed.  Adam moved the game along and helped us novice players.  It was fast, it was exciting.  And I should never under any circumstances be given command of Royal Navy Ships.   Lets us just say I did not cover myself in glory.  But I had a fun time and hope to play again soon.  Adam is extremely knowledgeable about the period and shared stories about the individual ships and their captains.  His enthusiasm for the period is contagious and I am already looking up books to read!  Well done sir!

Peter Lowitt and Adam Carriere work to put this on.  They coordinate with the museum and bring in games and gamers.  So a shout out is due to both of them for their hard work.