This 5 1/2"x8 1/2" (the same size as this magazine) booklet is compiled and prepared by L.L. Gill and published by Brookhurst Hobbies, an excellent hobby shop in the suburbs of Los Angeles. The subject is WWII naval wargaming with 1/2400 scale ships. The sea scale used is 4 inches = 1000 yards.

Each turn represents 6 minutes and 1" of movement represents a speed of 2 knots. A 5"x 8 1/2" sheet of light cardboard with 4 turn indicators and a devise for estimating a target's course is stapled to the inside back cover.

Unlike more conventional rules, designed for 1/1200 scale ships, GQ places each player in the position of commander of a task force or squadron, not just a single ship. Fire control and damage control, being the responsibility of subordinate commanders not the players, are simulated by dice rolls.

And since each turn represents considerable time, instead of assessing each shot the net effect of all the fire during a turn is used. Combat is more quickly resolved and a lot of bookkeeping eliminated.

Large naval battles can be conducted on a 10'x10' floor with just a few players and in a couple of hours' time.

The rules are divided into 3 sections: Tactical, Aircraft, and Campaign Operations. The first provides the rules for surface combat. The second, of course, adds the element of airpower, and the third provides for hidden map manuevering, leading to more realistic play. There is also a nice set of designer's notes, explaining the reasoning behind the more radical departures from the conventional way of doing things.

His main purpose is to go beyond the setpiece battle to the mini-campaign "with its suspense and surprises". I'm no naval buff, and thus unqualified to pass judgement on the historical accuracy of these rules. But I like his approach. It's just the sort of thing we tried to do for Am. Civil War and Napoleonic land battles with our GRAND ARMY rules: move up from skirmishes to full-sized battles.

If you're at all interested in modern naval miniatures these rules are a good buy. They sell for $4.95 and are available from some hobby shops, including Bookhurst's two shops of course (see their ad in this issue) or by mail directly from Brookhurst Hobbies, 12741 Brookhurst Wy, Garden Grove, CA 92641.

Miniature Warfare

Game Review: The Blue-Light Manual (ACW Rules)
Game Review: General Quarters (WWII Naval Rules)
Game Review: Don't Give Up The Ship (Age of Sail Naval Rules)