The 2 Half-Squads

The 2 Half-Squads

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The 2 Half-Squads episodes

  • Episode 336: Sebi & Ulric: Advancing Fire Maestros

    Buon giorno! More Advanced Squad Leader Maestros appear right here. We finally secure an interview with Sebastiano Caltabiano and Ulric Schwela of Advancing Fire fame. The in and outs of scenario design, historical research, game production, and much more are discussed! Prego.

    SHOW TIMES

    0:30 Right into the Interview
    57:50 Total Running Time

    SHOW LINKS

    ASL EU ROMA '24 Tournament 
    International Wargame Competition on Youtube

    The 2 Half Squads is brought to you by our sponsors Bounding Fire Productions and our wonderful contributors on Patreon and Paypal.
    58 min
  • Episode 335: Vasl-ing Gems

    Welcome to part two of our time with Doug Rimmer looking at how you can create your own counters and maps in VASL! Make your own 9-1-9 Engineer! Just like last show, you might want to watch on YouTube,  but if you are a good listener the podcast may work fine. After that we have an after action report on Scenario FB1: Uncles and Pups from  Multi-Man Productions game Festung Budapest.

     

     

    SHOW TIMES
    0:02  Banter and Contest Draw
    8:40 After Action Report
    17:45 Doug Rimmer and VASL Tips
    48:09 Total Running Time

    SHOW LINKS
    VASL Templates
    VASL Table Templates
    Scenario Set-up Files
    Map Making
    National Geographic Krampus on YouTube

     
    The 2 Half Squads is brought to you by our sponsors Bounding Fire Productions and our wonderful contributors on Patreon and Paypal.
    49 min
  • Episode 334: Here We Go a VASLING

    Happy Holidays All!  Jump into the Broadcast for a look with Doug Rimmer at the newest and coolest things that can be found in VASL! Watching on Youtube may be your best way of ingesting this content but if you are a good listener the podcast may work fine. We are wishing you all a Happy 2024!
    The 2 Half Squads is brought to you by our sponsors Bounding Fire Productions and our wonderful Patreon and Paypal sponsors.

    SHOW TIMES

    0:02  Hello Rally
    4:00 Doug Rimmer

    47:00 Total Running Time


    SHOW LINKS
    VASL Templates
    VASL Table Templates

    Scenario Set-up Files

    Map Making


    Lyrics to Hello Rally (lyrics by Donovan, performed by the 2THS Singers)

    Hello?? RALLY!!!  Would you schmoes, rally?!?!

    Just get back up on the line where you belong!

    You don’t look swell, golly. I can tell, by golly.

    You’ve been bawlin’ and low crawlin’ for now, way too long.

    DM’d you ain’t, staying  The attack, you’re delaying.

    Try to whistle a different tune every now then.

    Won’t, take no crap fellas.  Get back up on your feet, fellas.

    Rally! Don’t you Rout away again!

     

    I said, “Hello?!?!?  Rally!!!”  Don’t you dilly-dally!

    It’d be nice to have you back where you belong.

    You’ve been through hell, golly.  That charge was indeed folly.

    You’ve been chokin’ and you’re broken, you won’t be for long.

    I feel my hair, grayin’, cause DM’d you’re stayin’

    Try to get, good order status every now and then,

    So, woe is me fellas, hope that you can roll a three, fellas

    Rally! Don’t you rout away again!

    48 min
  • Episode 333: Tarawa for Christmas

     

    Happy Holidays All!  Jump into the Broadcast Foxhole with us and learn about Gun Duels during our Rules segment. Box Art Review makes it's return with a look at Ken Smith's fantastic art for the Sainte-Mere-Eglise game from Multi-Man Publishing. What better way to enjoy the holidays than having a listen and sipping some warm cider.  Merry Christmas, Happy Hanakkuh, Happy Kwanza and Happy New Year!


    The 2 Half Squads is brought to you by our sponsors Bounding Fire Productions and our wonderful Patreon and Paypal sponsors.


    SHOW TIMES
    0:02  I Want a Blood Reef Tarawa for Christmas Song
    4:00 Banter
    13:00 Box Art Review
    21:00 Contest Winner

    25:00 Samsung Portable VASL Drive 
    27:45 Rules
    41:00 Total Running Time

    SHOW LINKS
    Here Comes Santa Claus

    Lyrics to I Want a Blood Reef Tarawa for Christmas (lyrics by Donovan, performed by Megan Kleinschmidt)

    I want a Blood Reef Tarawa for Christmas, Only Blood Reef Tarawa will do
    Don't want Gung Ho! or Code of Bushido, I want a Blood Reef Tarawa to with and enjoy 
    I want a Blood Reef Tarawa for Christmas, I don't think Darling wife will mind do you?
    It doesn't have to be unpunched or even new, Just get one off ebay, That's exactly what I'd do
    I can see it now on Christmas morning, with my gift so rare. Oh what joy, you might surmise
    When I open up the box and see some DC Hero standing there.

    I want a Blood Reef Tarawa for Christmas, an Armies of Oblivian won't do. 
    No Haakke Paalles, no Pegasus Bridgeses. 

    I want a Blood Reef Tarawa-whatsits.That Blood Reef Tarawa is really cool.
    Friends say a HASL would east up all my time, owning and not playing is a very heinous crime. 
    There's lot's of  room to play in our two car garage. I'll keep it there and play all year.'
    Safe from feline barrage. 

    Refrain

    I want a Blood Reef Tarawa for Christmas, an Operation Watchtower won't do. 
    No Bridge Too Fart or Forgotten Warses, I only want  Blood Reef Tarawa-whatis
    That PTO module's really cool!
    41 min
  • Episode 332: Orsogna Knights

    Join us as we take a shot at the firing modifiers from Chapter C Rule 6; Target-Based to Hit Determination DRM. Hard to believe that we haven't covered those in the previous 331 shows. The Knights of the Podcast Table song was written by Dennis Donovan of course. He is indefatigable. If you want to get an early Christmas gift copy of Dzerhezinsky Tractor Works from Critical Hit, find the contest announcement in this show. It's great!

     



    Knights of the ASL Table lyrics
    We’re the Knights of the ASL table. We play when ere we’re able.
    We do our thing on the podcast scene, and our work is im-pec-cable.
    In Chicago land we play a lot. You'll hear “PaK” and “stack” and “FAQ” a lot!
    We’re Knights of the ASL table. Our shows, in-val-ue-able.
    And many times, our banter shines in ways un-for-get-able.
    We like to say “Sha-ZAM!” a lot. We shoot from the tree tops a looooooot.
    Our French accents are fable. They’re quite in-de-scribe-able.
    Between our casts we have a blast, saying “in-defa-ti-gable!”
    It’s busy when you play a lot. We two say "multi-man" a looooooooot.

     

    SHOW GUIDE

    :03 Song

    1:10 Chitty-Chitty Chat Chat

    31:30 Rules

    1:05:55 Total Running Time

    LINKS

    Legacy Map Set at Critical Hit

    The 2 Half-Squads is brought to you by Bounding Fire Productions and kind donations from listeners like you. The views and opinions expressed on The 2 Half-Squads are not necessarily those of the hosts. You can also watch the show on our Youtube channel.

    1 hr 6 min
  • Episode 331: Ring of Tinnitus

    We are so glad that all of the Halloween "Spooktackular" advertisements stuff is over! Please enjoy the opening song repeated from episode 65. There are some interesting and entertaining letters. Our AFV segment takes a look at the M3 and M3A1. Lastly, Jeff and Dave take a look at a playing of Operation Neptune's ON-6. 

    SHOW TIMES

    00:01 The Ring of Fire with Lyrics by Dennis Donovan; Performed by J. Cash (originally appeared in Episode 65)

    3:10 Small Talk

    14:10 Contest Winner Announced

    15:45 Letters

    18:30 Armored Fighting Vehicles

    41:10 After Action Report on ON-6 Sweeping West

    57:05 Total Running Time

     

    SONG LYRICS (lyrics by Dennis Donovan)

    My friend, make sure to bring           

    Scenarios, that have some bling       

    FTs and barb-ed wire

    Just like the one called Ring of Fire


    I want to play K.E.’s Ring of Fire!
    I said, ‘wow!’, ‘Wow!’, ‘WOW!’, and my voice got higher
    It’s 6 turns, turns, turns, down to the wire
    The Ring of Fire

    I talked him into playing Ring of Fire
    I’ll throw down, down, down, when the stakes get higher

    And he’ll learn, learn, learn, baptism of fire

    Trial by fire.

    T. O. T. 4-0 is sweet
    S.S. and Brits do meet
    Old French tanks with F.Ts?  Wild!
    Oh, and ECs are mild

     

    I thought I could fight fire with fire

     In the town, town, town and break the quagmire

    And got burned, burned, burned, but his first fire

    & Subsequent Fire                              

     

    I attacked as the Brits into the ring of fire

    Morale went down, down, down when things got dire
    And I yearned, yearned, yearned, artillery fire

    In this funeral pyre


    And got burned, burned, burned in Ring of Fire
    In Ring of Fire
    In Ring of Fire

    The 2 Half-Squads is brought to you by Bounding Fire Productions, and kind donations from listeners like you.

    57 min
  • Episode 330: Spooktacular Spectacle

     It's a Halloween Special that includes very few chills and thrills, but banter, AFV segment and an after action report on ON-6 Sweeping West from Bounding Fire Productions. 

     

    SHOW LINKS

    Bounding Fire Productions

    SHOW TIMES
    00:01 OBA From the Sky with Lyrics by Troy Nordine; Sung by A 2 Half-Squad Singer (originally appeared in Episode 63)
    2:10 Small Talk
    12:30 Contest Winner and New Contest
    18:30 Armored Fighting Vehicles
    41:10 Dave and Dave's After Action Report on ON-6 Sweeping West
    55:17 Total Running Time
     
    SONG LYRICS (lyrics by Troy Nordine)
    Picture your squad in a raft, crossing a river,
    Attacking German SS with powder blue eyes,
    Somebody calls you, your Sargent is screaming,
    “It's our movement phase, so get going guys”

    The Germans in bunkers are firing at you,
    Bullets go flying right over you're head,
    Look for the chance to fire your rifle,
    And they're gone...
    OBA from the sky obliterates them....

    Your movement phase begins, you run to the buildings,
    While German Defensive First Fire flies over your head.
    Your opponent smiles, as his mortar shot hits you
    But your morale is so incredibly high.....

    More of your squads, appear on the shoreline,
    Assault moving toward the VP.
    The Germans are climbing to the top of a nearby building,
    Then they're gone.......
    OBA from the sky obliterates them.......

    Picture a wall with an AFV hull down,
    It's gun barrel pointed directly at you,
    Suddenly your saved as your opponent rolls boxcars,
    He's Malf'ed is MA and recalled his tank...then.
    OBA from the sky obliterates them.....

    The 2 Half-Squads is brought to you by Bounding Fire Productions, and kind donations from listeners like you.
     
    The views and opinions expressed on The 2 Half-Squads are not necessarily those of the hosts. You can also watch the show on our Youtube channel.
    56 min
  • Episode 329: La Brea Le Franc

    We know you want to get a look at Dave's Tar Pit Diorama(sculpted by the great Sean Cooper and molded at The Alchemy Works), so here it is! Since we didn't have time last show to dig into the insides of Le Franc Tireur #15, we now take the time to get into the articles therein. Oui, Oui, we, promised that we would not speak in French accents for the show but Jeff manages to make a French gutteral noise in the first moments of the segment.  After that, we follow through on our promise. However, our pronunciations of our many fellow ASL players names clearly needs some work.  Our apologies. If you haven't found them yet we have a look and a link to Scott's Eagle Has Landed Scenarios. We highly recommend you read the post. It is entertaining and certainly quality stuff. 

     

    SHOW LINKS

    The Alchemy Works

    Scott's Eagle Has Landed Scenario's

     

     
     
    SHOW TIMES
    00:01 Houlie Dice with Lyrics by Stephen Hicks; Sung by A 2 Half-Squad Singer (originally appeared in Episode 62)
    2:10 Chitty Chitty Chat Chat
    10:30 Rules
    22:00 What's in the Box?
    51:00 Grumble Jones Halloween Eagle Has Landed Scenarios
    57:41 Total Running Time
     
    SONG LYRICS (sung to the tune of "Safety Dance" by Stephen Hicks)

    I can't roll low if I want to
    But Craig Houlistan can
    Watch as he kills my Panther
    With a lowly tin can.
     
    I can't roll low if I want to
    Though I try and try.
    When my 10-3 rolls an NMC
    Then My 10-3 dies.

    Houlie Dice, Houlie dice
    They're outta control.
    Houlie dice, Houlie dice
    Oh look, another low roll.

    I can't roll low if I want to
    My dice come up high,
    But I see Craig's it's
    Another "snake's" and I cry.

    Houlie Dice, Houlie dice
    They're outta control.
    Houlie dice, Houlie dice
    Oh look, another low roll.

    The 2 Half-Squads is brought to you by Bounding Fire Productions, and kind donations from listeners like you.
     
    The views and opinions expressed on The 2 Half-Squads are not necessarily those of the hosts. You can also watch the show on our Youtube channel.
    58 min
  • Episode 328: Lumberjacks and Le Franc Fifteens

    Le Franc Tireur has put out another gem. Le Franc Tireur #15 featuring some fantastic maps from Steve  Swan and Tom Repetti. We take a look at these fun boards as well as the new Arid/Desert rules. Minarets on Mosques, can you believe it?  Before we get to that information we read some letters from our beloved listeners, we cover the British rules in the nationality section of the Advanced Squad Leader rulebook, and banter about Dave's favorite toy soldiers, Britain's Swoppet Knights. 

    SHOW LINKS
    Swords and Roses - Britain's Swoppet Knights
    Heroes on Deck DVD
    Great Lakes Aircraft Carriers at Military History
    Chicago Marine Heritage Society
     
    SHOW TIMES
    00:01 ASL Lumberjack Song with Lyrics by Randolph King; Sung by The 2 Half-Squad Singers (originally appeared in Episode 54)
    1:45 Chitty Chitty Chat Chat
    13:25 Letters
    19:00 Contest Announced (enter by October 15, 2023)
    21:00 Rules
    32:00 Whatsa is ina the Boxa?
    43:00 Terrain Time
    59:55 Total Running Time
     
    SONG LYRICS (sung to "The Lumberjack Song" by Randolph King)
    I play ASL and that's OK.
    I play all night and I play all day

    I move my troops, I rally well, I fire my panzerfausts
    When opponents get too cocky, I bombard them to heck!

    I rally well, I shoot big guns, I blitz my tanks alot
    and if there's too much open, I lay the smoke I've got

    I shoot big guns, MG's get rate, And often just for fun
    I'll play in Frenchmen's clothing, and surrender on turn one!

    The 2 Half-Squads is brought to you by Bounding Fire Productions, and kind donations from listeners like you.
     
    The views and opinions expressed on The 2 Half-Squads are not necessarily those of the hosts. You can also watch the show on our Youtube channel.
    1 hr
  • Episode 327: Sunny Adam Lunney

    It is an honor to have the illustrious, bright and optimistic Adam Lunney appear on the show all the way from Canberra, Australia. Yes, this is THE Adam Lunney who authored the books We Together and Ready to Strike.  Once again you can see from his credentials that we are unworthy to have Adam on this lowly podcast.  In spite of that he agreed to discuss his books, his gaming background, and most importantly, his love for the greatest game in the world; Advanced Squad Leader. 

     
    SHOW LINK
    Adam's Website

    SHOW TIMES
    00:01 ASL Favorite Things with Lyrics by Dennis Donovan; Sung by The 2 Half-Squad Singers (originally appeared in Episode 56
    2:30 Interview with Adam
    53:46 Total Running Time
    Adam's Picture of Normandy 



    SONG LYRICS (sung to "A Few of My Favorite Things")
    GS on Shermans and Shurtzen on Panthers
    Flame-throwing Cromwells and AA on Panzers
    Living the chaos that Sniper checks bring
    These are a few of those ASL things

    Chapters and chapters of tables and rules
    The ultimate wargame goes way beyond kewl
    Just like those fighters with bombs under wing
    And reading to see what those SSRs bring
    Rural or Urban, cross streets in quick dashes
    When playing night rules remember gun flashes
    Winter offensives that last throughout spring
    These are a few of those ASL things

    When my squad break
    When my luck stinks
    When I’m rolling bad
    I simply remember those ASL things
    And then I don’t feel so bad
     
    The 2 Half-Squads is brought to you by Bounding Fire Productions, and kind donations from listeners like you.
     
    The views and opinions expressed on The 2 Half-Squads are not necessarily those of the hosts. You can also watch the show on our Youtube channel.
    54 min

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