Franco-Prussian War...

[lentulus]

I'm really finding myself increasingly unhappy with the existing FPW rules -- the more I learn about the conflict the less it seems like either the American Civil War or colonials, which are the two main baselines for 1870 rules.  I am working (slowly) on my own project for large battles http://mlt6x4rules.blogspot.com/ and I may well do the same for the small tactics end of the equation although first I plan to see what I can do using regimental fire and fury as a base.

[Chad]

The problem with small scale games is that everything is in artillery range at the start of the game and, depending how much artillery is present, the game can become dominated by it.

I am intending to give Zouave II a run through.

Chad

[Duke Speedy of Leighton]

We use BP in cm scale.
This means even the longest ranged field artillery has a range of 60cm, most Prussian stuff is 48cm, which work nicely on a 6' by 4' table.
It also means two or three turns under fire before closing, quite historic.

[lentulus]

The problem with small scale games is that everything is in artillery range at the start of the game and, depending how much artillery is present, the game can become dominated by it.

Well, that's not unrealistic.  In small scale, however, it is easier to represent dead ground and reward its use.  And for really small scale (ambush, reconnaissance and screen skirmishes, that sort of things) there would frequently be no or few guns.

[lentulus]

I am intending to give Zouave II a run through.

Let us know how it works -- I had thought it was middling high level - stand = 300 men or so per stand. 

[cameronian]

Alternatively have a look at Field of Battle; I've posted our 1866 house rules (FOB with tweaks) on the FOB bit of the Piquet Yahoo Group site here; http://games.groups.yahoo.com/group/Piquet/
you will need to sign up to the group then go here http://games.groups.yahoo.com/group/Piquet/files/Field%20of%20Battle/ for the house rules and the custom cards; I'm hoping to do house rules for 1870 before Christmas. For me FOB is perfect for this period, have a look and see what you think.

[Chad]

Cam/Lentulus

Have tried FOB and quite enjoyed it. Downloaded the cards from the group site.

Zouave II appealed to me as well. It will be the last set I buy for the period. I am not sure when I will be trying them out, but will give a review when I have.

Next game is Marlburian using BP, getting scenario ready for a local show. About 600 figures per side.

Cheers

Chad

[Chad]

If anyone would be interested I will post an overview of the Zouave II rules on the rules section at the weekend.

Chad

[tzen67]

Hi Chad.
        I hade a game with Zoave when they first came out. Very interesting rule set with great ideas. Very different from other games which meant it was a bit confusing for the players but I think you'd get used to it pretty quickly. Have got version 2 buy not tried them yet. The Rondel looks intriguing.
       I'd be very interested in your views.
Cheers,
Andy

[mollinary]

Madness has finally set in.  I have now convinced an equally unhinged friend to join me (actually to do most of the work!) in preparing a set of rules which might allow me to use my Pendraken FPW figures for a new scale of game. I have done and reported on Gravelotte St Privat on a 1:60 man scale, but there are few other battles of that scale to do. So the idea is to look at doing a divisonal scale game on a 1:10 man scale, and 1" = 25yards.  A Prussian battalion would be up to 100 figures, which would allow company scale manouevres, and we would concentrate on a very different level of command, but still do a game with lots of figures and a number of players.  It might be some 1200-1500 figures a side, should look the bizz, and be very, very, different.  I'll let you know if it proves to have legs!


Mollinary

[Duke Speedy of Leighton]

That's going to look amazing! Let me know how it goes! 

[Leon]

Madness has finally set in.  I have now convinced an equally unhinged friend to join me (actually to do most of the work!) in preparing a set of rules which might allow me to use my Pendraken FPW figures for a new scale of game. I have done and reported on Gravelotte St Privat on a 1:60 man scale, but there are few other battles of that scale to do. So the idea is to look at doing a divisonal scale game on a 1:10 man scale, and 1" = 25yards.  A Prussian battalion would be up to 100 figures, which would allow company scale manouevres, and we would concentrate on a very different level of command, but still do a game with lots of figures and a number of players.  It might be some 1200-1500 figures a side, should look the bizz, and be very, very, different.  I'll let you know if it proves to have legs!

As Mad Lemmey says, keep us updated on that one!   

[cameronian]

Madness has finally set in.  I have now convinced an equally unhinged friend to join me (actually to do most of the work!) in preparing a set of rules which might allow me to use my Pendraken FPW figures for a new scale of game. I have done and reported on Gravelotte St Privat on a 1:60 man scale, but there are few other battles of that scale to do. So the idea is to look at doing a divisonal scale game on a 1:10 man scale, and 1" = 25yards.  A Prussian battalion would be up to 100 figures, which would allow company scale manouevres, and we would concentrate on a very different level of command, but still do a game with lots of figures and a number of players.  It might be some 1200-1500 figures a side, should look the bizz, and be very, very, different.  I'll let you know if it proves to have legs!


Mollinary

Hey Mollinary, how was your FPW tour, any photos, good stories?

[Duke Speedy of Leighton]

Hey Mollinary, how was your FPW tour, any photos, good stories?

Amazing how once you've seen the battlefields it changes your view and your desire to buy the armies!
It changes from hmm... Nice, might do that, to: YES GIVE ME MORE NOW!

[nikharwood]

It might be some 1200-1500 figures a side, should look the bizz, and be very, very, different.  I'll let you know if it proves to have legs!

Mollinary

Wow - this is going to be impressive!

Mind you, I think it will have legs: somewhere between 2400 - 3000 a side by your reckoning