Some forum members had previously expressed an interest in these rules, but were averse to the downloading process and self-printing. The rules are now available again as a hard copy spiral bound rulebook. They are supplied through Lulu, so are printed on demand; consequently they are unlikely to go out of print in the near future, as happened with the original print copy. For those who have not played these rules, they are ACW designed originally to be used with 6mm figures and 3mm buildings (free on the website). However my brother plays using 10mm figures and 6mm Timecast and TBM buildings, and reckons this gives just as good a game. Units (brigades) are on 60mm x 30mm bases, so look pretty good in 10mm.

The rules were originally designed for use with historical scenarios, and two booklets are available for download from the website, covering both the eastern and western theatres. Recently the author made a Vicksburg campaign scenario available for free download, including rules, maps, coloured counters and coloured cards. The website also includes a number of other free downloads, a growing number of after action reports, terrain building tips and a news section. See:

www.6mmacw.com

A reminder of what one of my 6mm games looks like:

£18.63 - Do you think they did that on purpose?

Is 60x30 the official base size?  My 10mm ACW are on 30x30, so I'm sorted (Because ANOTHER set of ACW rules is what I need).  How many units do you need, as I have the equivalent of 31ish bases a side.

Can you give an idea how it works?

Quote from: Last Hussar on 27 November 2016, 05:51:28 PM
£18.63 - Do you think they did that on purpose?

I hope so


I think each stand is a brigade

I suspect the slightly odd price is down to exchange rates - and the rules being priced in dollars.

These give a good game, most of the game is about controlling the turn clock, which defines which units can act when. And how many turns there are in a game. A very diffrent feel to many other wargames. A large army can struggle to keep moving whereas a small elite one can control the clock and keep the initative. We only played once, so i don't know what the long term playability is like.

I've played a few times now. Like BBB they are an excellent way of fighting the bigger ACW battles on a 6x4 or smaller table (e.g. Shiloh is 4x4). Unlike BBB, where different numbers of bases are used to form larger or smaller brigades and divisions, every brigade is a single 60x30 base, and the size and morale of the brigade is factored in. Currently BBB has half a dozen or so ACW scenarios; AoF has over 35. As an example, Shiloh requires - Union: 20 infantry bases, 7 artillery bases (30x30), 1 cavalry base, 1 base representing Grant, an HQ base, something to represent a gunboat (I use the Peter Pig USS Tyler) and two types of markers, i.e. fatigue markers (I use single casualty figures), and light fortification markers (piled rocks and logs/broken fences).
Confederate: 16 infantry bases, 6 artillery bases, 2 cavalry bases, 1 army and 4 corps commanders, 5 HQ bases plus the markers.

Gaining control of the clock is indeed the crux as it allows you to gain more time to achieve your objectives, or shorten time to vex your enemy. Brigades are gradually weakened, but do have the opportunity to retire to their HQ to attempt to rebuild strength, which is an interesting way of mimicing the need to maintain a reserve - to plug that gap when it is essential to relieve a hard pressed brigade.

40% off today only (28/11/16) on AoF from Lulu. I was sent the discount code CYBER40 and saved over £7 on the £18.63 price.