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Sunday 31 May 2020

A map for my Operation Barbarossa campaign: A major change

Since the last blog entry I wrote about my Operation Barbarossa campaign map, I have discovered a better map of the Russian railway system. Furthermore, the map showed more accurate information about the various marshes and forests in western Russia.

After giving it some thought, I decided not to try to make changes to my existing map, but to start afresh. Thanks to the lessons I learned drawing my original map, this second map took me less time to produce.

My original map looked like this ...


... and my new map looks like this.


I am much happier with the second map, and hope to add some more detail as and when I can. I’ve also developed a standard map key and symbols that I can use in any future maps that I draw.

14 comments:

  1. Hi Bob,
    Well done there on your new MAP - certainly crisper and more detailed. The area covered by the Map is huge - and I'd think that your Battles will be limited to certain sections at a time. It is a huge Project which will keep you very busy and entertained for some time to come. Stay well. Regards. KEV.

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    Replies
    1. Kev Robertson (Kev),

      As I am hoping to use this map for some time, I wanted to get it right before I started the campaign.

      I will probably split the fighting into three sections ... as happened in the actual campaign.

      All the best,

      Bob

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    2. Hi Bob, very impressed with the new map. Just thought I'd let you know that I managed to acquire a NEW copy of Arriba Espana from Caliber books ! Well it's a new print but but of the original book. I'm looking forward to giving them a go in the near future. Take Care, stay safe,
      Tony Jones.

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    3. Unknown (Tony Jones),

      I’m very pleased to read that you like the new map.It might need some additional detail added to it in due course, but hopefully not too much.

      I had no idea that Caliver was reprinting the book, but I’m pleased that they are. I hope that you enjoy using them.

      All the best,

      Bob

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  2. I liked the first map but the second is even nicer! Great work.
    Are you intending to start the campaign soon?

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    Replies
    1. Maudlin Jack Tar,

      Cheers! I was very pleased with the way the second map turned out, but doing the first one help me considerably as I learned so much doing it.

      I want to try out the campaign rules once I have finished renovating some more of my Russian WW2 collection.

      All the best,

      Bob

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  3. The smaller dotes for towns and cities on Map 2 work well and allow you to focus on the rest of the terrain. Good luck with your play testing. Cheers Greg

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    Replies
    1. Delta Coy (Greg),

      Cheers ... and thanks for the feedback!

      The different colours in the centre of each BUA tells you what size it is, and this will be important when it comes to generating supplies and local defence militia during the campaign.

      The different terrain will become important as the impact of the season and the weather will vary according to the type of terrain.

      One thing that drawing this map has made me very aware of is why the German strategy involved three main lines of advance, each with a different balance of forces. As soon as you look at the map, it becomes obvious that the southern part is likely to be far better tank country, whereas the north is going to need more infantry to slog its way through the terrain.

      It only goes to show the importance of what used to be called military geography!

      All the best,

      Bob

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  4. Bob -
    Would I have been content with the first map? I don't know! this whole project is looking more and more interesting by the day. If, by the way, you have need of a play tester for your game rule set, I'm offering.

    Cheers,
    Ion

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    Replies
    1. Archduke Piccolo (Ion),

      The fist map was good enough ... but the second was better!

      Thanks for offering to play-test the rules. They will be a version of the rules in DPW, and the campaign rules will be based on those in PCW.

      All the best,

      Bob

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    2. Hi again -
      Oh, great! That's all I need for a play test. I'll see what I can set up...
      Cheers,
      Ion

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    3. Archduke Piccolo,

      I am hoping to have everything in place so that I can try a mini-campaign by the beginning of July. I’ll keep you up to date with any developments.

      All the best,

      Bob

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  5. Lots to like about this work

    Well done Bob!
    Respect

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Geordie an Exiled FoG,

      Cheers! I’m looking forward to using it.

      All the best,

      Bob

      Delete

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