A great set of anti elephant troops

[martin goddard]

https://plasticsoldierreview.com/review.aspx?id=2714
A wonderful set.

martin

[Colonel Kilgore]

If you did it in 15mm, I'm sure you'd sell thousands, Martin 

But it is very nice, and quite amusing in its Heath Robinson way.

Simon

[martin goddard]

It does show how wargames are well catered for.

martin

[Sean Clark]

I wonder how often these were used and how effective they were?

[Colonel Kilgore]

I wonder how often these were used and how effective they were?

I'd guess:
 a) just the once, each
 b) not very

Simon

[Stewart 46A]

From the intranet

Features and Purpose
Construction:
Sturdy timber wagons mounted on heavy wheels, sometimes reinforced with iron.
Defensive Features:
Spikes and Blades: Protruding from the wagon to wound and frighten approaching elephants.
Fire-bearing Grapnels: Pitch-soaked tow on grapnels, ignited to spread fear and damage elephant trunks and faces.
Caltrops: Iron spikes scattered on the battlefield to further impede elephant movement.
Offensive Features:
Ranged Weapons: Manned by archers, slingers, and javelin throwers to attack elephants and their riders from a protected position.
Ballistae/Catapults: Some wagons were equipped with these heavy projectile launchers.
Mobility:
Powered by oxen and controlled by soldiers.
Tactical Role:
Deployed in rows to form mobile barricades, the wagons aimed to neutralize the psychological and physical impact of elephant charges and create a defensive shield for the Roman legions.
Historical Context and Effectiveness
Origin:
Developed to counter the threat of war elephants used by Hellenistic kingdoms like the Seleucids and Carthaginians, and later by King Pyrrhus of Epirus.
Mixed Results:
While the wagons were a testament to Roman innovation and could disrupt elephant charges, they faced limitations.
Limitations:
Targeting: Elephants and their crews could target and kill the oxen, disabling the wagons.
Vulnerability: The wagons themselves were vulnerable to attack from light infantry and archers.
Limited Success: Some accounts suggest their deployment was not consistently effective, leading to their discontinuation.
Legacy
Despite their ultimate limited success, anti-elephant wagons remain a fascinating example of the Roman military's adaptability and ingenuity in responding to the challenges of new warfare technologies.


Stewart

[Colonel Kilgore]

Thanks for sharing, Stewart.

Is there a case to be made for these being the first tanks?

Simon