Over the River...

More terrain for Historicon! In fact, the bridge is the central focus of the scenario and the side with uncontested control of the crossing at the end of the game is the winner!

This was a bear to construct for the simple reason that I wanted the arches to meet the river banks. Since the bridge is not a permanent part of the board, that meant each end had to be carefully cut to match the bank. The natural slopes are not symmetrical, so each point that rests on the shore is cut at a different angle. Had I simply constructed a 'flat' bridge, it would have been much easier since it would just sit atop the banks.

I mentioned a few posts back that the Spanish had attempted to destroy the bridge, so I modeled it with a chunk blown out and timbers thrown across the gap. I debated leaving the timbers as loose and building the placement into the scenario, but decided against it in the end. Crossing the planks will be treated as crossing a liner obstacle so troops trying to force the bridge will face the additional trouble of being slowed down (as if the guns overlooking the bridge wouldn't be trouble enough).

Time is flitting away, with about ten days before I head north to meet Mr. Hilton at the airport. All of the terrain for both scenarios is finished. I am putting the finishing touches on the French 82nd Line's bases. The only troops I have left to paint are a ten skirmishing voltigueres, a mounted French brigadier, and three British riflemen. If I have the time I want to paint a handful of Spanish villagers and some livestock to bring the village to life.