Ersatzjack
Corporal
"That silly Franz... he thinks we are winning."
Posts: 1,093
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Post by Ersatzjack on Dec 2, 2007 1:05:27 GMT -5
Okay, myself and my brother are going to try another event organized on land we have in Northern WI in the Town of Nashville. (Mapquest or Googlemaps 829 Forest Lane, Pickerel, WI) The property is family owned, and provides about 30-acres surrounded by a channel connecting Pickerel Lake and Crane Lake and it is a perfect site for some skirmish fun. We are the peninsula and have no neighbors realistically. There will be fresh water, electricity and an outhouse available. (If we get a porta john I'll probaby put out a donation box to cover the expense. Pictures are below. We have been working on this behind the scenes and have a nucleus of personnel that plan to attend so I believe I can say at least at this time that this event will happen. So a couple of months should allow folks time to plan their schedules and get properly outfitted. The theme will be an East Front battle. Any WWII impression will allow participation (Allies or Axis) but if you don't show as German or Russian, you'll be used to balance the forces and might be asked to bow out of some staged photography and movies. We however want to assure any American players that they are welcome. Heck, if you are buying the equipment, you should have a place to play. Event Date - February 8-10, 2008 (I know... I know, reenactors fest in Chicago IL conflict. You can always attend on Friday or Sunday but be at the event on Saturday) Location as noted aboveCurrent participants Video and Picture guy - Mark H. Russian: 6-8 members of the 198 Russian Rifle Division (led by BA64 and Gryphon) German: 3rd Infantry Division (mot) Otto Verkaufer (Ersatzjack) Stg44 Franz Verkaufer (Ersatzjack2) Pak38 K98 Udo Schaaf (Unionman) MG42 K98 Alban Schonberg (Alban) Pak38 K98 Karl Schroder (Neoptolemus) MP40 Ulrich Von Offenburg MP40 Pzfaust 11th Panzer - Stabsfeldwebel Koehler (waxmandave1) MP40 11th Panzer - Grenadier Kroeger MP40 US 2nd Rangers - CPL Mills (Alex) 2nd Rangers - MSG Tom (Tom) That's it for now. Let ersatzjack2 know if you are interested in attending. As far as scenarios go, we'll provide more on that when we have a better idea of a head count. Level of play will be WWII impressions (or a civilian 1940's rig) and a WWII weapon. No exceptions. There are enough options now available. Ersatzjack2 will be the primary organizer for this one. Please direct inquiries to him. There will be a waiver at some point and rules will also be published here at some point. Stay tuned here to edited updates. Everything worth knowing about this event will be updated in this post. So whatever follows this post feel free to read but this post is the bible for the event. No Mesh Goggles and No Plastic BB's BBs will be sold at my cost to all participants. Sorry, they will all be .20s and they are the genuine biodegradable or as best as I can locate. This property is available to us for future battles as long as my father knows the bb's are biodegradable. Don't get caught skirting this requirement. My father might even try his hand as a partisan. He's very fit and hardy for his age. Don't whine about the bb rule. Plastic bbs hurt the hobby in my opinion and for this event my opinion counts. I'll have plenty of bags and nobody will run out. There will be some airsoft world premiers unveiled at this event. Never before seen toys that will make a splash when seen for the first time. That is the plan anyway. So show up for that reason alone. No one will get hypothermia. The Axis have access to a heated cabin and the Russians will have access to a heated garage and if there are Russian women, they will have access to the basement of the heated garage home and will be quite comfortable. Here are some shots of the land: Russian HQ - this will be off limits for fighting. The reason is obvious. Don't get me into hot water please. German HQ - fighting around the other structures will be allowed. None of the buildings are going to be open though. This area will be okay to traverse, just stay away from the house above. There is a healthy snow cover already thanks to today. This is all frozen. Ample roads and the terrain allows for quick movement. Anyway, you get the idea. So think winter conditions and a prelude to the April 08 event planned for Neillsville, WI and mark the date for your schedules. Contact Ersatzjack2 with questions, and input. We look forward to seeing as many of you as can make it. PS - This land is not the land that we advertised for our earlier event this year. This is far less rugged and more user friendly than the 70-acres 5-minutes away. That will have to be saved for a future event. We plan to add some support structures on that property to make it better suited for hosting events.
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ba64
Private
"Boris"
Posts: 53
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Post by ba64 on Dec 6, 2007 15:05:49 GMT -5
Tom and Alex were just at a Blank Fire event with us in Neillsville, I will see if they want to dress as Russians for your event. Todd and I will bring extra winter gear for them. It could be late on Fri. by the time we get to your field. It's a 4.5 hour drive from La Crosse and we might pickup Todd on the way.
Troy A. Buddenhagen (BA-64)
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Lev
Private 1st Class
Posts: 454
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Post by Lev on Dec 6, 2007 16:53:14 GMT -5
Looking forward to shooting you again at this event, Troy
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Post by Capt. Zak on Dec 7, 2007 7:39:00 GMT -5
Beautiful land Otto! I really wish I could make that event. Looking forward to all the "World Premiers". ;D
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ersatzjack2
Private 1st Class
"We can still win this thing, once the secret weapons arrive."
Posts: 612
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Post by ersatzjack2 on Dec 9, 2007 19:48:19 GMT -5
Otto and I are freshly back from the NY event and we learned a couple things about winter events. We had a great time out there and will double our efforts to ensure creature comforts so that the February event doesn't look too much like real war. We don't want trenchfoot or frostbite.
BA64 - get there when you get there. That would be cool if Tom and Alex could come as Russian if they desire to try it. Friday is the arrival date anyway with no skirmishes planned. If folks want to practice night patrols or institute guard duty or other training that will be up to them except for the fortunate soldats who fall under me (Capt Zak not being able to attend) who will benefit from special winter exercises. (Cards and winter war stories in the cabin more than likely). The main event will run Saturday and folks will head out later that day as I think Sunday will be too much exposure.
Capt Zak - Well you have to keep commitments and you have business at Reenactorsfest but if you change your mind you are more than welcome as is anyone from State just south of Wisconsin. As for premieres just look at the anti-tank gun in the NY AAR and imagine it with snow camo and a crew. That cat is already out of the bag. More to follow.
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Post by spitfire740 on Dec 10, 2007 17:40:41 GMT -5
I'm very interested in attending. *Willing to set-up carpools with Illinois staters.* I think its time that we traveled a bit for once . A few questions I have: Will I be able to attend in my Italian ARMIR Impression? It is historically accurate for the setting, but I don't have a unit-- yet. May change if I can grab a few more people to join me. I know you said any soldier can join, but will I be asked to switch sides, since my impression is correct? Also, what are your standards as far as pyrotechnics? I'm not talking about bottle rockets that will cause forest fires, but are smoke grenades acceptable and such?
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ersatzjack2
Private 1st Class
"We can still win this thing, once the secret weapons arrive."
Posts: 612
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Post by ersatzjack2 on Dec 11, 2007 0:16:58 GMT -5
I'm very interested in attending. *Willing to set-up carpools with Illinois staters.* I think its time that we traveled a bit for once . A few questions I have: Will I be able to attend in my Italian ARMIR Impression? It is historically accurate for the setting, but I don't have a unit-- yet. May change if I can grab a few more people to join me. I know you said any soldier can join, but will I be asked to switch sides, since my impression is correct? Also, what are your standards as far as pyrotechnics? I'm not talking about bottle rockets that will cause forest fires, but are smoke grenades acceptable and such? The Italians in Russia fought with the Germans. Is that what you want to do? If so, ok. Pyrotechnics - as there will be snow on the ground any fire hazard is extremely low. Smoke is fine and we'll be shooting it from the pak. Hope to see you there.
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Post by sniper98 on Dec 11, 2007 17:05:21 GMT -5
I really hope I can make it to this one My parents are still talking. Also is the pak going to be there?
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Post by KippySmi7h on Dec 11, 2007 21:42:19 GMT -5
Pyrotechnics - as there will be snow on the ground any fire hazard is extremely low. Smoke is fine and we'll be shooting it from the pak. Hope to see you there.
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ersatzjack2
Private 1st Class
"We can still win this thing, once the secret weapons arrive."
Posts: 612
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Post by ersatzjack2 on Dec 21, 2007 1:22:43 GMT -5
I have started a new thread titled "Nashville Ostfront Event Waiver." There is a waiver form on that thread that you can print out and bring with you to the game. There will also be blanks at the event in case you forget. We won't.
I essentially copied the one that is used by the Russian unit in Neillsville. It looked so well done. Thanks guys.
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Ersatzjack
Corporal
"That silly Franz... he thinks we are winning."
Posts: 1,093
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Post by Ersatzjack on Dec 22, 2007 13:42:24 GMT -5
People, I have an exciting update (for me at least). My friend is a very good photographer (professional at one point) and has agreed to attend the event as a dedicated film guy with his new high-def camera (he's a gadget guy). So we should have some super pictures and film of the event and won't need to worry that our exertions will go forgotten in history. I have a private agreement with him to touch up any shots of me and that should work wonders on my contributions during the action. This is a good beginning to my Christmas weekend.
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Ersatzjack
Corporal
"That silly Franz... he thinks we are winning."
Posts: 1,093
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Post by Ersatzjack on Dec 26, 2007 22:47:36 GMT -5
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alban
Private
Sniper for life.
Posts: 177
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Post by alban on Dec 27, 2007 10:14:17 GMT -5
Are you planning on getting bio bbs heavier then .20?
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ersatzjack2
Private 1st Class
"We can still win this thing, once the secret weapons arrive."
Posts: 612
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Post by ersatzjack2 on Dec 27, 2007 11:58:25 GMT -5
Yes Alban, there will be .25 bios at the event. Mostly .2's but we bought the .25's for the rifles that will benefit from them.
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Russian
Corporal
Magician
Posts: 923
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Post by Russian on Dec 28, 2007 14:52:15 GMT -5
The event is shaping up to look fantastic, wish I could attend.
As a side note, just out of curtesy, if you know that there is going to be a conflict on a chosen weekend, please don't schedule events at the same time. I don't know the background story of this particular event, but this has happened several times now. I am helping Capt. Zak vend at Reenactorfest, and thus wont be able to attend this one, even though I'd really like to. It just seems unnecesary to have participants "prove" their loyalty by having to pick one venue over another. Just my 2 cents, I'll give you back the soap box I borrowed.
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gryphon
Master sergeant
shchi e kasha, pisha nasha.
Posts: 250
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Post by gryphon on Dec 28, 2007 15:55:30 GMT -5
Russian, I don't think this sort of thing happens on purpose. My experience has been that, when organizing events, the collaborative nature of the effort tends to cause the whole thing to gel around a certain date - regardless of whether or not this particular date was the event organizer's first choice. The truth of the matter is that the organizer doesn't have complete control over all the factors effecting the scheduled date "window." At this point in the development and spread of our hobby, for the purposes of recruitment if nothing else, it's probably better to have many local-scaled skirmish events (even if they conflict) than just one or two large regional scenario events a year.
Meanwhile, back on topic, the site looks great in the snow. I wonder if we should come as Russian ski troops...
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Ersatzjack
Corporal
"That silly Franz... he thinks we are winning."
Posts: 1,093
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Post by Ersatzjack on Dec 29, 2007 1:48:30 GMT -5
Also to Russian - I know you communicated privately to me as well but I want to state for the record that there is no agenda to announce dates that will conflict. Heck, I just want to announce dates that will result in events. The way this particular event planning worked was like this. After your beach event was held and my move was pretty much completed Steve and I polled the members of our unit and asked if they would want to play an event on our land and what would February sound like. The initial consensus was early in the month and then the first weekend 8-9 was chosen. This was to be a privately arranged affair so that we wouldn't post an event and have no one come as happened to us earlier in 2007. So then I contacted the Russians in Neillsville, and they agreed it was a good idea. Then it dawned that reenactorsfest was a conflict and even our fearless leader Captain Zak discussed this on our forum. He begged off and as it seemed that fate had chosen the weekend we went for it. Then we announced publicly to add to the numbers but as you can see, again no Illinois participation has confirmed with us outside one of our members. Don't ask me why, but maybe it is too far. I can't change that. I don't schedule events so that I can quash your hopes or compete with your plans. I'm not wired that way. Frankly, there will always be someone that can't make this or that date and there is no perfect plan. We plan to host other outings this year and you are more than welcome to come but as far as clearing our plans through others, I don't expect that of you and you shouldn't expect that of me. If there is a legitimate conflict we can have work-arounds early on but not once I have committed players. I know it is disappointing that you can't come but look at it from my viewpoint, "I can't attend reenactorsfest." Okay, a bad joke (but I did enjoy myself there last year.) Why doesn't Zak have his girlfriend help him again or get your girlfriend to help him and you come to the event. Give him Sunday help. Oh, I know - you gave your word and that's a good thing to keep. But seriously, no conspiracy here.
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ersatzjack2
Private 1st Class
"We can still win this thing, once the secret weapons arrive."
Posts: 612
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Post by ersatzjack2 on Jan 1, 2008 15:03:49 GMT -5
Here is a map (yeah, I know, it is crude but I'm not an artist of the battlefield. The day will start at 8am. We'll do the safety briefing and chrono the weapons at that time. After that the first skirmish will start probably around 8:30-9am. In the first skirmish the Russians and allies will attack. I've got about 100 sandbags so each SB (sandbag) area should have about thirty of them. I'll use the plow to push some snow around them to try to give some strong points to the field. The area is mostly forest except for the roads and as you get closer to the lake areas it thins out and is more grassy. First skirmish - The Probe - Elements of the 198th Russian Infantry Division with partisan support have been tasked with clearing a wooded area in Lithuania. It is winter of 44-45 and a Geman unit has been fighting a delaying action in their retreat down the Baltic coast. The Germans have a Pak38 emplacement and also have an embedded MG42 that the Russians have to contend with. The Russians will start at the crossroads of Tamarack Trail and Forest Lane and push North thru the woods towards SB#1. They have unlimited regens to accomplish this. If they get shot they must return to their start point and can rejoin the battle in groups of two. The Germans have only their one life. When shot, they fall back to SB#2. Once SB#1 is captured there is a ten minute break. The Russians will then move to SB#2 and SB#3. These can be attacked piecemeal or they can be attacked at the same time. Once again, Russians will have unlimited regens and this time they must fall back to SB#1 and can return in groups of two. The Germans have one life and when they are eliminated they can retreat to the German Cabin. These rules mirror the NY scenarios. The Russians are destined to win, but at what cost? The second skirmish will begin approximately 20-30 minutes after this one. It will be called Sniper hunt. In this scenario all Germans with springer Mausers will act as snipers and be supported by the MG-42. All other combatants will start at Tamarack and Forest. The snipers will arrange a defense in the woods and blow a whistle when they've finished concealing themselves. There are no regens for this. If you get hit, you're out. That means you'll have to be careful when rooting out the pesky snipers. This should be fun to see how many attackers get picked off. Third scenario - should start after lunch - Repeat of scenario one with the Germans counterattacking. They will start at the point and move to the aforementioned SB areas. Same rules but reversed. Germans will have unlimited regens and Russians will have one life per phase of the battle. The Germans will attack SB2 and SB3 first. After their capture they will wrest control of SB1 from the Russians. Once again, the Germans are destined to win but how many attackers will the Ruskies pick off? Afternoon- if time permits, we'll craft out another scenario of some sort once we all get the feel of the land. These are initial ideas - anyone wanting to tweak them, pm me. See you guys there
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ersatzjack2
Private 1st Class
"We can still win this thing, once the secret weapons arrive."
Posts: 612
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Post by ersatzjack2 on Jan 9, 2008 16:23:17 GMT -5
Just got back from up north. The snow base dropped from 14" to about 6" with the recent rain and warm weather. Should be some snow later in the week though. I finished the sandbag emplacements and they're ready to go. Now, we just have to wait for another month.
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Ersatzjack
Corporal
"That silly Franz... he thinks we are winning."
Posts: 1,093
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Post by Ersatzjack on Jan 12, 2008 14:11:02 GMT -5
FPS STANDARDS FOR OST FRONT EVENTWe starting kicking around the idea of FPS standards to be adopted by the new unit I'm in, the 3rd Panzer Grenadier Division. It occurred to me that this is a good idea but that really FPS standards have always been the domain of the event organizer. Hey, that's me. So here they are for the February event. A chronograph will be there and we will chrono guns with .20g bbs and if you are using gas we will chrono with the bb weight that you will be using. LIMITS - 500FPS - with a 20-yard minimum engagement distance is for bolt action rifles or single shot weapons where it requires a delay to shoot again - If you are using one of these weapons carry a pistol or a grenade or surrender when the enemy gets close. 450FPS - reserved for bipod or tripod ;D mounted machineguns, and semi-automatic rifles. There is a 15-yard minimum engagement distance for this type of weapon. 400FPS - SMG's and other AEG's - no minimum engagement distance. So you can affix bayonets to your submachine guns. (That's a joke - no bayonets outside their scabbards). If you have a SMG and it is a high-cap magazine you cannot use your hop-up. This might be checked at random. The penalty being public denunciation. But really, you'll be trading off the hop-up or the extra ammo. Choose. I'd like to see all low cap magazines but I don't think we are ready for that yet.) I figured this was a happy medium. There you have it. (Bring something that exceeds those standards and we have a 200FPS springer MP-40 that you can use so don't worry. Ha another joke. Ahhh, I got a million of em.) We will very likely adopt some of these standards for our unit so that in the future the opposing forces know what they are up against. I still think they shouldn't overrule the event organizer standards (well of course the organizer is boss) but it gives players an idea of what is acceptable. Oh, all bio bbs and no mesh goggles. I know I already said that, but repetition is good. Remember, Russians are reading this too. The numbers are pretty firm right now at about 15-people. We could accommodate more.
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ersatzjack2
Private 1st Class
"We can still win this thing, once the secret weapons arrive."
Posts: 612
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Post by ersatzjack2 on Feb 1, 2008 23:02:57 GMT -5
Checked the weather for Friday night and Saturday. Friday night is some snow showers and Saturday is sunny and 20 degrees. Last post for me before the event. Make sure you visit the waiver thread and bring one with you. I'll be going up north early next week so any last minute communications must be directed to Ersatzjack.
Please send me a quick pm to confirm attendance in the next few days. See you guys next week.
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Lev
Private 1st Class
Posts: 454
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Post by Lev on Feb 2, 2008 11:52:28 GMT -5
I've been looking forward to this event for months. Can't wait to see all of you shortly! The Ivans will indeed feel about might
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Ersatzjack
Corporal
"That silly Franz... he thinks we are winning."
Posts: 1,093
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Post by Ersatzjack on Feb 7, 2008 14:24:05 GMT -5
Yep the day of departure has arrived. I hope everyone that has PM'ed and/or is coming with units that have PM'ed makes it up for this. It will be great for pictures. Lot's of snow. We have everything set for those that said they are coming. Looks like 16 hardy souls and a hardy cameraman. Will post some pics on Sunday I hope and follow up on that with more after-action reports.
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Post by Warlord on Feb 7, 2008 19:35:13 GMT -5
Sounds awesome! Have fun everyone, bring us back a good AAR!
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gryphon
Master sergeant
shchi e kasha, pisha nasha.
Posts: 250
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Post by gryphon on Feb 9, 2008 22:47:11 GMT -5
Congratulations and huge thanks to the ersatz brothers (and their parents) for a fantastic winter skirmish setting, complete with a cozy dacha for the Russian invaders and burgers and beers at Jerry's afterwards. The morning weather was incredibly lucky for February, the scenery was Karrelian Peninsula beautiful, the scenarios were full of fast and furious action, the snowy pines were great fun to suddenly materialize behind in my Abominable SnowRuskie Suit, the rolling terrain with three- and four-foot-deep snow berms was wonderfully challenging, the MG42 and PAK were intimidating, and the play was aggressive but honorable. What a great group of players you guys are. I really REALLY like my PaPaShas (really Really REALLY like them. Really.) Thanks for the perfect PPSh-41 debut event - Soldiers of the Red Army, Spring from the Snow with Sudden and Energetic Submachinegun Activity!!
Thanks again, guys, great event. Kudos to Udo on the MG42 and Neo for that quickwitted shot in the second scenario. I'll attempt an AAR once I've recovered a little. Hope everybody had safe drives home - judging from the wind and temperature drop we ran into as we headed back west, I think we quit play just in time.
I can't wait to see Alban's pics and video....
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