Pendraken Miniatures Forum

Wider Wargaming => Genre/Period Discussion => Firelocks to Maxims (1680 - 1900) => Topic started by: Deedles on 01 August 2026, 06:59:44 PM

Title: New ACW rules
Post by: Deedles on 01 August 2026, 06:59:44 PM
I just picked up there are some new ACW rules coming out by Des Darkin who has put in some lovely games over the years . There is a discount for pre orders .

I will get a set to use with my Pendraken armies .

https://www.shedowargames.co.uk/ (https://www.shedowargames.co.uk/)

Title: Re: New ACW rules
Post by: steve_holmes_11 on 01 August 2026, 10:22:15 PM
Is there any information on the size of armies, what units are represented and how many units for a decent game.

The concepts look interesting, but I saw nothing regarding the investment required to get gaming.
Title: Re: New ACW rules
Post by: Lord Kermit of Birkenhead on 02 August 2026, 07:53:49 AM
Well presented but agree with Steve it lacks detail.
Title: Re: New ACW rules
Post by: NTM on 02 August 2026, 08:18:24 AM
The introduction in the rules section states the player takes the role of a brigade or divisional commander.
FAQ gives a bit more info

https://www.shedowargames.co.uk/acw-2
Title: Re: New ACW rules
Post by: steve_holmes_11 on 02 August 2026, 09:21:39 AM

QuoteThe introduction in the rules section states the player takes the role of a brigade or divisional commander.
FAQ gives a bit more info

https://www.shedowargames.co.uk/acw-2
Thank you, the FAQ answers everything I wanted to know.

I can't explain how I didn't spot it on first pass.
Title: Re: New ACW rules
Post by: NTM on 02 August 2026, 11:31:00 AM
Not that easy to find to be fair
Title: Re: New ACW rules
Post by: Deedles on 02 August 2026, 05:16:53 PM
FAQ link at the top the page ... for answering questions

There is also a FB page for these from Des

https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1BP7JoWJiT/?mibextid=wwXIfr
Title: Re: New ACW rules
Post by: sultanbev on 03 August 2026, 01:15:32 PM
"The number of figures {per base} is irrelevant (although the aesthetics of the figures are of immense importance!)

An infantry base represents approx. 70-80 men, so an infantry regiment will be made up of the number of bases typically found in that theatre of campaign, or if you have detailed OOB and have a unit strength you can build that unit.

Artillery bases represent a section of two guns and crew. "

Doh, that's the same as I'm using in the rules I'm writing!
Title: Re: New ACW rules
Post by: Last Hussar on 05 August 2026, 10:43:55 AM
Is there a sample OrBat, I want to know how many bases I will need
Title: Re: New ACW rules
Post by: Deedles on 10 August 2026, 09:06:03 PM
That will depend on the battle and troops . A big green federal unit could have 10 plus stands . A small veteran reb one might only have 3 or 4 .

There are some really good orbat Scenario books available by Bud Butkovich that give troop strengths weapons etc . There is an Antietam scenario The Cornfield (when mine arrives I can give more details) included in the rules release and I think some more scenario guide stuff in the pipeline .
Title: Re: New ACW rules
Post by: Last Hussar on 10 August 2026, 09:19:12 PM
If you could give an example OrBat when you can - I don't know if I'll ever bother adding to the 60ish infantry stands per side I have.
Title: Re: New ACW rules
Post by: Deedles on 11 August 2026, 11:30:26 AM
Quote from: Last Hussar on 10 August 2026, 09:19:12 PMIf you could give an example OrBat when you can - I don't know if I'll ever bother adding to the 60ish infantry stands per side I have.

Will do
Title: Re: New ACW rules
Post by: Deedles on 17 August 2026, 02:26:24 PM
The scenario orbat  for a part of Antietam attached .

The number in each label is the size of the unit in number of bases

Title: Re: New ACW rules
Post by: Deedles on 17 August 2026, 02:26:44 PM
(https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFmUxsBCGCRngYxwwrao1yqI5rmqrcP3QcndfWxXPq5vGG0Pf9w6SP42DGI5FOsJZUv-ahKgQ8VNEB65BMuVnx3QanEBYMQ8yZVBGk0cljeALCShj9z6ONeFXtxgSCbhIUdat-Q2kztipzDOWnXgqMsSoldZvL6Ki4_MD4fQj9ersszmVriyYpeCvP-xs/s5712/IMG_7990.jpeg)