Williamsburg Muster Bolt Action Tournament – 21 February 2026

Photo by David Skibicki.

By Kreighton Long

On 21 February, thirteen players gathered at the Williamsburg Muster in Williamsburg, VA to compete in another one of Kalissa Skibicki’s Bolt Action tournaments.  Most of the participants were returning players with friendly catch-ups throughout the weekend.  A few new faces joined the usual gang over three rounds on gorgeous tables prepared by David Skibicki.

Getting Started with FOW Early-War: The Dunkirk Box

By Richard Steer

Flames of War has returned to the early period of the Second World War, with the publication of Blitzkrieg, covering the Invasion of France in May and June 1940. A new period is an exciting time for the game, with new nations, new miniatures, and new challenges.

My focus for Early-War in previous editions was the Mediterranean theatre, and I have never played anything from the campaign in France. To get back into playing Early-War while we wait for the North Africa book, I have picked up a copy of the new “Dunkirk” two-player starter set. Over the next few weeks, I’ll use it to assemble, paint, and start playing a new army. First, though, let’s have a look at what’s in the box.

The Dunkirk Starter Set

Running my First Bolt Action Demo Event

By Kreighton Long

This past December I was introduced by a friend to a new hobby store in Culpeper, Virginia — Brickhammer.  I quickly made a trip to the store and met the owner, Kevin, and offered my services as someone who knows a bit about Bolt Action.  He eagerly accepted my offer and we scheduled a demo game at the store in January.  This was my first demo game and I challenged myself to do quality work for a group of potential new players.

Recon Report: Bolt Action Third Edition Armies of Imperial Japan Unit Highlights

Photo Courtesy of Warlord Games and Osprey Publishing

By Aaron Kamakawiwoole

Hey Reader!

Kreighton gave an excellent overview of the new Third Edition supplement for the Armies of Imperial Japan, and today we’re continuing in our review of the book by looking at some of the highlights for new units in the book.

Japan has a lot of interesting, thematic, and powerful options, so today we will highlight some of the unique choices that will make your army feel fresh and unique from the rest of your collection.

Recon Report: Bolt Action Third Edition Armies of Imperial Japan

Image courtesy of Warlord Games and Osprey Publishing

 By Kreighton Long

The most recent addition to Warlord Games‘ Bolt Action Third Edition is enroute in the form of Armies of Imperial Japan.  This latest edition comes in at just under 100 pages and is full to the brim with exciting and unique units, Osprey illustrations, and photographs of miniatures in action.

Infantry Attacks: Flames of War at Remember December 2025

By Richard Steer

Every year, our wargaming club in Upper Hutt, New Zealand, runs a one-day tournament for club members at the final meeting of the year. Named Remember December, this event commemorates club member Nick Garden, who passed away in 2015. The 2025 edition of the event was held on 13 December, playing Flames of War.

Remember December often has a themed format or unusual list restrictions, and this year was no exception, The format used was 55-points Late War, with infantry formations only. In addition, your force could not include more than one tank unit, a maximum of four vehicles, and a maximum Front Armor of 7. Three 1.5-hour rounds were to be played using the Extended Battle Plans mission selector, and each player had to use each stance once during the event.

A close up shot of an Italian-themed wargaming table with Flames of War miniatures. Two German 7.5cm infantry guns are in the foreground, while in the background a platoon of infantry advances on a group of buildings.
German Infantry advance with close support from 7.5cm infantry guns

V3 for Victory Bolt Action Tournament – 22 November 2025

Photo by Jesse Marcelo.

By Kreighton Long

Two weekends ago I had the opportunity to compete in a Bolt Action tournament organized by Jesse Marcelo at Your Hobby Place in Alexandria, VA.  This was Jesse’s third time as Tournament Organizer since hosting his first tournament last year in an effort to help grow the community.  Each player was permitted a 1100 point list not to exceed 20 order die.

The mood of the event was friendly and light-hearted.  All three of my opponents were a pleasure to play against with no absence of good humor and laughter while we worked through the three, two hour rounds.  What I overheard throughout the day was that most of the players were congenial and friendly — minus one exception that the TO dealt with quickly and quietly. Overall, it was an excellent atmosphere for both green and veteran players alike.

Building Urban Bases

By Kreighton Long

With my North African Italians finished it’s time to look forward to a new project.  After attempting desert bases with my Italians, I had the idea to challenge myself with new-to-me basing themes for my next few projects.

The next project will take me from the sands of North Africa to the ruined cityscape of Stalingrad.  If I said the German Veterans release from Warlord Games had nothing to do with this choice I would be lying.  Having never attempted urban bases before, I spent some of my prep time looking for different ways of creating urban bases and came up with three options to experiment with: Green Stuff, plastic mats, and sand.

Building a Desert Oasis

By Kreighton Long

While day dreaming about my desert terrain I had a vision, or perhaps a mirage, of an oasis on my future table.  As my palm groves came together I strategically left the largest of my bases in reserve for such a project.  With the first batch of my palm groves completed I felt confident in trying to put together a desert oasis.  This oasis will add a splash of color to a dreary desert table as well as could double as a fun objective for the two sides to fight over.

 

I started by priming the selected MDF base black.

 

Next I test fit different size pools using scratch paper.

 

I traced the pool template onto the base for future reference and then drilled holes for the palm trees with a 1/8″ drill bit.

 

I traced the selected size pool onto a piece of cardboard and then taped a flattened piece of plastic table cover on to the cardboard.

 

The three paints I used to paint the pool. I started by flicking some Vallejo Silver Grey onto the plastic then began layering mixes of Trail Tan and Olive Green on successive layers.

 

The first ring was a 1:1 mix of Trail Tan and Olive Green. The outline of the pool on the cardboard served as a guide as I sponged on the first layer of paint. The second layer was a 1:2 mix of Trail Tan and Olive Green and the third layer was Olive Green. I then added a few layers of Olive Green then Black to fully cover the bottom of the pool.

 

Once the paint dried I applied a layer of brown spray paint to the bottom. The photo here is after all the paint is dried and I removed the plastic from the cardboard and flipped it right side up.

 

I then traced the original pool template over the top of the pool to cut it to the desired size and shape with scissors.

 

I overlooked the fact that the pool was mirrored as the original template was at the bottom of the plastic. To fix this I flipped my base over to fit the two together as desired. I applied a 1:1 mix of PVA glue and hobby paint to the bottom of the pool and weighed it down under a stack of books to ensure it glued on flat.

 

Next I added 1:1 mix of PVA glue and craft paint before sprinkling on a layer of sand.

 

I painted the sand with a base coat of Black, then drybrushed a layer of Nutmeg Brown, then a layer of Trail Tan.

 

I then added a variety of tufts to the base. I chose to use the more lively, green tufts around the pool with the more brown tufts closer to the edge.

 

Insert the palms trees into the holes and the oasis is ready for the table.

Like my desert palm groves, the palm trees with this oasis can be removed to facilitate models moving through the terrain and to store and transport easier.

Happy painting!