The Back of Beyond, Contemptible Little Armies / Back of Beyond, 28mm

Let’s face it – we like “Back of Beyond” games. They’re fast, colourful, easy to play, and involve both deeds of derring-do and back-stabbing. this game was no exception. The unlikely premise was that the Czech Legion (or someone) had abandoned an important railway yard somewhere near Vladivostock, and the local powers that be all moved in to lay claim to the place – and to the rolling stock. First on the scene were the Americans – a strong force of Marines in fur hats, but their erstwhile allies the Japanese, the British and the Whites were all willing to contest control of the town. Then there were the others – a powerful Red Partizan force, and equally strong detachments of Mongolian rebels and the following of a Chinese warlord. the scene was set for another of Colin Jack’s masterly scenarios…We got off to a late start as three of the participants (yeah, me included) were watching a football match on the TV in a local pub (soccer to our Colonial readers). For the record Aberdeen held Bayern Munich to a 2-2 draw. However, when the game eventually got rolling the various columns headed straight into town – or towards each other. The Reds and Whites fought their own little scrap on the eastern outskirts of town, while the British (advancing form the west) opened up on the Japanese, wiping out their allied cavalry.The Japanese returned fire, and spent the rest of the game ineffectually sniping at both the British and the Chinese in a bid to control the western suburbs. Meanwhile the Mongols, the Chinese and the Americans fought it out between them, the activity disrupted by the appearance of two trains, which steamed straight into the middle of the town – and the firefight.By the end of the game there was no clear winner, although the American bastion was pretty secure – the Reds, Whites, British and Japanese having expended their energies fighting each other rather than storming the rail yards. All in all it was a thoroughly enjoyable game, despite the high alcohol content of the football-watching trio and the loss of an hour of evening gaming time. I’m tempted to raise some more forces for this – possible a Czech Legion force, or a unit or two of Red sailors.

Tags: Contemptible Little Armies