Flames Of War in 1:1 Scale: Général Estienne at the French Tank Museum in Saumur

Flames Of War in 1:1 Scale: Général Estienne at the French Tank Museum in Saumur The Général Estienne tournament was recently held on the 30 June and 1 July 2012 in the Tank Museum in Saumur, France. Twenty four players from France, Belgium and Spain met for the first time under the new Flames Of War third edition rules on French soil. The tournament was run under an open format, which is quite a departure in France.  Axis versus Allies is the norm for these types of events so it was the first time that these types of fratricide games were played.

Four scenarios were played all from the new rulebook including Dust Up, Surrounded, Counter Attack and Pincer.  As usual the atmosphere was great as the more experienced players were on hand to support the newcomers in challenging but friendly gaming.

It wasn’t just the attraction of the quality gaming take bought competitors to the Général Estienne. The venue itself also played it's part.

Above and below: You guys aren't dreaming. You're right in the middle of the hall full of German World War Two vintage tanks. Right next to a Tiger, a Panther, a Panzer IV, a Jagdpanther, and a Kingtiger!

Play was interrupted at midday on Saturday because a Panther once more roared into action in the courtyard of the museum along with a FT-17, then a Char B1 bis. This provided a welcome distraction to all of the players and only added to the atmosphere of the event.

Below: The Panther once more roars into action outside the museum.

The first day was bought to a close with a nice dinner where the days’ gaming was discussed in anticipation to an exciting conclusion on the following day.

At the conclusion of the event, the top players were once more amongst the leaders but there were a few surprises as some of the newcomers were among the ranks at the top of the table!

Final Standings     Placing Name Total Score 1 Fred Osion 33 2 Thierry Boudart 32 3 Yoan Roger 31 4 Laurent Mariette 30 5 Stéphane Faccini 30 6 Vincent Seron 30 7 Jean-Michel Parant 30 8 Béranger Soulier 29 9 Jean-Michel  Faure 29 10 Philippe Ardhuin 28 11 David Wallenus 28 12 Pedro Perez 27 13 Quentin Serre de Lourtioux 26 14 Pascal Poussard 26 15 Louis Brandela 25 16 Romain-Pierre Conneau 25 17 Christain Guillaume 24 18 William Ducamp 23 19 Mickael Ancey 23 20 Fabien Pezard 23 21 Jacques Henry Dussouy 22 22 Geert Bulens 21 23 Nicolas Chartier 20 24 José Miguel 18

But the best surprise was a special offer by Lieutenant-Colonel Dubois who is managing the museum and the organiser of the tournament Marc Dodinot; a free access to the Panther tank in running condition! As you can see, Christmas came early in Saumar. Thank you to all those who attended for your support and see you next year in June in Saumur!