From Tom Barkalow, Have seen much discussion of computer impact on wargaming in terms of using the Internet as a resource library, playing games on a computer, and using the computer as an "umpire" for games. However, there has been little said about the impact on how computers have improved the look of rules and charts. Having experienced rules reproduced using a mimeograph machine, fifth hand photocopies, game charts as hand made wall posters, hand printed notes on 3"x5" index cards, and typed cut-and-paste efforts, I marvel at how well current rule sets look, even homebrew versions. The use of computers for word processing and home publishing makes it relatively easy to produce crisp, clean copies. Having subscribed to MWAN for 9 years now, I've seen a steady progression in its looks as Hal has steadily expanded his use of computers. The improvements made in computer printers have also had a big impact. My earliest articles for MWAN were made using a dot matrix printer while I now use either an inkjet or a laser printer.
Two recent events really brought home to me the improvements. The first one involved playing a game at a small local convention and being really impressed with the game charts provided. Examination showed they had been produced using a computer program that permitted clever use of overlays and various forms of graphics boxes. As a result the charts were very clear and legible, individual sections were easy to locate, and the whole had a pleasing look. The second event was my decision to scan into a word processing program a cut-and-paste version of "On To Richmond" (OTR) I had assembled nearly 14 years ago. I was surprised at how readily the copy I scanned was turned into a file that I could then revise. I did learn that hand written notes in the margins "confused" the program I was using (some of its "guesses" were pretty funny) and this forced me to dig through my old wargaming paper files to find an earlier copy to scan. The upshot was my completing some rules projects I had let languish for years due to my reluctance to retype the entire OTR set (lazy, lazy, lazy ) so I could make revisions.
One result is my submission to Hal of a variant for OTR for the AWI that Rick Stoffel and I developed over the past few years. Several years back Rick bought figures so he could fight the various "American" wars. He obtained a painted force of 25 nim AWI figures, both Continental and British. He figured we could modify OTR to use with them. I admit I really wasn't much interested in the AWI period at the time. I suggested we try a Napoleonic variant of OTR I had worked on. After the first game, Rick wrote down several ideas he had based on his opinions as to how AWI battles were fought and this started a revision process. Each time we played, I wound up adjusting the rules based on what happened in the battle or because a new idea had occurred to us. After a while I became interested in the AWI period and started reading up on it (resulting in further revisions as I learned more about the actual battles).
Eventually I bought the figures from Rick when he decided to cut back on his forces and since then have painted a few Hessian units to supplement the British forces. I now plan on expanding the Continental militia units I presently have. The rules set that developed, "On To Philadelphia" (OTP), is based on use of 25 min figures. Infantry is mounted 4 figures to a 2" wide base (2 figures to a V wide base for units capable of going into skirmish). Cavalry is mounted 2 figures to a 2" wide base. Artillery consists of a gun model and 3 -4 crew figures mounted on a 2" wide base. I wound up remounting nearly all the figures I bought from Rick so they would have a consistent mounting scheme. Initially the figures were mounted 3-4 figures to a nominal 2" wide base and the early versions of OTP reflected the different number of figures per base. I got tired of some of the juggling this entailed and decided to standardize the mounting. I also discovered that stand elimination didn't work very well when units consisted of 2-5 stands (most were 3-4 stands). The standardized units consist of anywhere from 4 to 20 figures and a figure elimination system is now used. The OTP scales are V being around 15 to 20 yards, one figure being about 20 actual troops, and one turn representing about 10 minutes.
As I said above, these rules have gone through numerous revisions. People get their kicks in different ways in our hobby. Aside from playing games (20-25 a year), one of mine is through rules tinkering. I usually do this through modification of the game charts-, it has been seldom that I have bothered with revising the entire rules set (usually kept a "supplement" with the latest tinkering scribbled down). So producing OTP is unusual for me. The version I've sent Hal is loaded with lots of "optional" rules so folks can tailor the game to meet their own opinions (the optional rules largely reflect my current view of the AWI period). One thing that has been hard to do is to properly represent the militia. Militia quality varied quite a bit whereas in the rules I stick militia with a fairly consistent low quality. Militia could easily be worse than represented in the rules (seldom better). My feeling was it would be best to leave it be for now. I may send Hal a supplement in the future, especially to make militia more prone to run away when charged, depending on how it actually works out in gaming (and, Hal, don't hold your breath for it).
One thing that has really struck me in reading about the AWI is how warped the typical view is of how it was fought. One of the great American myths is how the Minutemcn hid behind rocks and trees and through use of their Kentucky rifles gunned down the British in their neat lines and bright uniforms (Bill Cosby used to have a great comedy routine on this involving settling life's big issues through use of a game toss). The reality was far different as the Continental forces eventually were trained to be the same as British regulars in terms of drill and battle tactics. And rifles were used far less often than supposed (though a lot of units like to use the term in their names). Also, Hessian units have gotten a bum wrap for a variety of reasons.
My planned next submission to Hal will be a regimental version of OTR with separate charts for use with 15mm and 25mm figures (same ground and time scale; different figure scales).
From Robert Beattie Maybe you can help me in a project I am working on. Some years ago at a convention I made a "Time line of wargaming." This was on poster board, about ten sheets 2' x 3' only up to 1980. Now I am doing this on the Web, The posterboard allowed for only a few pictures or other artifacts on each one. On the Web, I can have an artifact for each entry. Some examples are Robert Louis Stevenson's wargame article from 1898 and the Sport's Illustrated 1965 article on wargaming with Charlie Sweet - also original text from Wargame Digest and Table Top Talk. What I'd like from you is a copy of the cover and intro of the first MWAN. Maybe just the first page if it's like my first issue, MWAN 111, #2. I am also looking for the same from Wargamer's Newsletter.
(Editors Note: Interesting idea, Bob, and I'm glad to see someone any out something like this! I don't have the first issue of Wargamer's Newsletter. I think Donald no longer has them either If anyone out there has it, please drop Bob a line (e-mail: beattie@umich.edu) as this is a worthwhile project Will send you copy of first issue of MWAN, Bob. Let us know how this prqject goes - we'd like to hear about it.
From David North Haven't been doing much wargaming lately, mostly messing around with role-playing games. I did write an adaptation of Fr. Aelred Glidden's Horse & Musket system for the American Civil War and have included it for publication within MWAN. The only real modification is an increase in weapon ranges and the addition of dismounted cavalry (something that Fr. Aelred often says he doesn't like to mess with).
(Editor's Note: Thanks, David, for the rules; always like to get rules systems for publication!)
From Robbie Rodiss Ihave just recently subscribed to your excellent magazine and I have managed to obtain a number of back issues. I must admit that I enjoy American wargaming magazines better than English ones; I particularly like the enthusiasm that shows in the pages. In issue #99, 1 noticed that you are very interested in 6mm wargaming. This is the only scale that I use, having see the fight about ten years ago. Luckily Irregular Miniatures produce all of my needs and if I want anything extra, Ian Key, IM's owner, will cast it up for me. The beauty for me with 6mm gaming is the fact that I can use every unit present at a specific battle. The effect of seeing a whole army is brilliant! IM have a great range of SYW figures and they paint up really well. I suggest that you use a black undercoat for the figures and then dry brush them in their main uniform color, picking out the details with a fine brush. I also black line my figures and highlight them to make them stand out. For basing, I use Basetex textured paint which is also dry brushed with highlight colors. I make my own terrain boards and I enclose a photograph (badly taken) of my refight of the Battle of Borodino at a local show. As you should be able to make out, I base all my figures on a single base, which represents in this case, a battalion. Our small group uses all of our own rules and in the case of the Napoleonic rules, the casualties are recorded on the rear/bottom of the base. The boards themselves are cheap to make and once the preparation is completed, are easy to paint. If you are interested, I could prepare an article on how to make them.
(Editor's Note: Thanks for your letter and photo, Robbie; the effect of 6mm on the tabletop certainly is something to see! I would appreciate an article on construction of terrain boards, as you described. Would be very interesting to us, I would think! I would also be interested in publishing your rules within MWAN if you are interested! Thanks again!)
From Terry Smith As far as gaming goes, after several years of work, I have put together a small group (two other regular players) that will play historical wargames with me. The gaming out here is heavily influenced by GAMES WORKSHOP. We are playing quite a bit of FIRE & FURY and STARGRUNT (yes, it's sci-fi, but it's lots of fun - squad level game with individual figures). I recently rediscovered my French & Indian War figures and I have become very interested in this period again. We have tested several rules sets (three, I think) and I am about to write my own rules incorporating the best parts of them. A campaign is sure to follow.
(Editor's Note: Thanks for letter, Terrance; thanks as well for your long-time typing of articles for MWAN Appreciate your assistance very much! Would like to print your rules when finished and we are always interested in any campaigns
From Richard Borczak I am constantly amazed at the number of great articles written by your contributors. I admire, especially, the many sets of wargaming rules submitted and printed in each issue. The writers of your regular columns are very professional. Each issue of MWAN leads one to think and plan. All your readers have go gain something from each issue to add to their wargaming pleasure. The photos and drawings are super. Keep it up. I am sending you the last group of "old" Couriers plus some other now defunct magazines. I included some old AFV magazines by George Bradford who was an authority on armor. As I perused through these magazines for the last time, I was surprised at how wonderfully they were written. We think that "the best" is now, but in fact, so were they "the best" when written. If I find more "good" stuff, I will send it to you. I wish I had the enthusiasm and time to paint all of the figures, ships and armor that I have. I still plan to read the over 600 military history and reference books I have in my library. (Editor's Note:
Thanks for the magazines, Richard - Richard was kind enough to send me number of Jack Scruby's old publications, which I have been fitting into MWAN from time to time whenever permits! It is amazing how well written and interesting these "old" publications are! Thanks for your kind words, Richard Much appreciated. MWAN does have a quality group of writers and subscribers as well.
From Randy Elliott I couldn't resist the temptation to offer advice on 6mm. There aren't many people around that I've found who are interested in that scale, so any chance to sway opinion in favor of that scale is one that I will gladly take! I've included a little reinforcement for my earlier opinions. You'll find an Adler Portuguese Brigade of four line battalions and a Cacadore battalion along with a commander and three sections of artillery to boot! From Heroics & Ros, you'll find a Spanish battalion and finally, a Russian battalion from Irregular Mniatures. This is the easiest way to show you the differences in the manufacturers. I run H&R Spaniards with my Adlers. They're good enough for what they're for! Perhaps one of the these days, I'll upgrade to Adlers, but it'll be a while.... I haven't run the Russians yet. I'm not sure if I'm going to use them or not. I probably will, but as you can see, they are significantly smaller than the others, especially the Adlers. I could see running them with H&R's more readily than Adlers, but as long as your basing is consistent, it's really irrelevant. It's more a matter of aesthetics! I checked my Regal Nliniatures catalog and they don't offer a SYW limber. I know that they aren't currently available from Adler, but I would imagine that they would be in the future. Perhaps you could do a little conversion on some of the Napoleonic limbers by swapping heads from other SYW figures? It's an option. I guess it depends on how accurate you need to be for yourself and the guys you play with. I think that I could tackle an article in the future. By the way, the figures I sent you are based to EMPIRE V standards, except the Cacadores should be 1/2" wide. I don't know what I was thinking about. Also, there are a few different base treatments for you to check out. I've settled on the mixed green turf from Woodland Scenics. It looks good and is reasonably priced.
(Editor's Note: Thanks very much, Randy, for your kindness in sending me the figures - I was very surprised and pleased to get them. They occupy a spot of honor on my bookcase at work for people, and myself to admire! I checked with Stone Mountain as to Adler SYW limbers and they reported that Adler has no intention of making them at this time and furthermore, I was the first person who inquired as to this. It would seem, by the letters section, that there are more 6mm MWANers out there than we thought there might be! Hope to hear ftom you again, Randy!)
From Toby Barrett In case you are interested, the friend who set up my n e w w e b p a g e (http://thoroughbred.simplenet.com/) also has set up a news group/mailing list for ironclads, rules, late 19th century naval, models of the period, etc. If you would like to check it out, go to: onelist.com - subscribe to the "ironclads" listing and/or check out some of the past topics. This may be a new system for some of you whereas anything you post goes directly to each individual on the mailing fist (including yourself), and anything anyone else posts goes to you as an individual e-mail. It takes some getting used to, and was quite a surprise to me at first, but you really don't get inundated and you can read or delete at will. Try it for awhile to see how it goes.
(Editor's Note: Thanks for update, Toby - all sorts of amazing things out there on the "net by the way, love your ships! Real quality.
From Greg Novak In answer to your questions re VOLLEY & BAYONET (V&B) - V&B has had two supplements on Napoleonic warfare - the 1815 booklet and the 1813 booklet. A new issue of V&B - to be called Volley, Bayonet and Glory is to be out sometime soon - COLD WARS of 1999? After that, not sure just where things will be going. Gun stands for V&B (or VB&G) are 1.5" wide by 3" deep. Am playing in an e- mail ACW campaign game - battles are played in LTK and over here - I am serving as Honest Abe. Currently my commanders are in the UK (Buell and Townsend last commander of the Army of the Potomac in our world), Canada (Banks), the US (Sherman), New Zealand (Grant). I have had to fire to one or two - but things have settled down and my commanders have teamed to follow orders (that and the fact that I spiked the threat of British intervention by issuing the Emancipation Proclamation at the proper time). It is now December of 1862 and the Union has held our own in the east - as a builtin lack of cavalry has prevented us from being very bold - though that will change in 1863. Out west, we have done very well - with the entire Mississippi River Valley, and all points west (Shreveport, Little Rock and Springfield) in Union hands. Nashville has just fallen to us and the Rebels have recaptured Mobile. Will be spending the winter of 1862-63 getting ready - and plan to launch the big campaign in April and May - Townsend sends the Army of the Potomac south into Virginia - while Banks hangs around Fort Monroe and waits for a chance to grab Petersburg.. Out west Buell brings the Army of the Cumberland south toward Chattanooga and Atlanta - Grant leaves Vicksburg with the Army of the Mississippi and heads east towards Jackson, Montgomery, and Atlanta - Sherman is sitting at Baltimore putting together a command to land near Savannah in July. Should be great fun - though what our fhends, the Rebels will do might have some bearing on things. The rebel commanders were in England, the US, Sweden, Finland, and France, the last I heard.
From Charles Elsden Just attended Pete Panzeri's 55th Anniversary of Arnhem Jodiecon, where I was umpire of the Arnhem sector, as well as an active Dutch Resistance force. I'm now a member of Little Wars, the free 54mm chat gang at onelist.com, moderated by Ross MacFarlane. All are welcome to join. It looks like my WWII rules will be soon be published. New 54mm news! A BMC San Juan I-fill playset will be making it's appearance at TOYS R US. Ron Barzo has a new Treasure Island playset. The biggest news is Conte's Collectibles, which bids fair to become the new Marx company, with licensed adventure/war movie players to make all our dreams come true. Interested parties can check his progress at conteco.com. The first playsets, Zulu and The Warlord are to be available in October. Where he can't get a license, he plans a regular military theme playset anyhow. Soon to be produced are Spartacus, Gettysburg, Beau Geste, The Longest Day, 55 Days at Peking, Pirates and add on figures sets for all, with figures only sets to become available for those who want to collect on the cheap. For the rich, painted metal figures sets will also be made. This man has 17 sculptors working for him! Other first time figures include WWI British and Scots in glengarries by Armies in Plastic, new CTA Confbderates, and a new CTS T-34 tank. The Second Golden Age of Toy Soldiers continues nonstop!
(Editor's Note: Thanks for update, Charles - 54mm sounds, as if it is really taking off with so much more being available! Would you think about doing a regular column for MWAN re 54mm gaming? Let me know!)
From Dan Fol : After reading your editorial on 6mm I have to say that the 6mm bug has bitten me. The Irregular Miniatures are nice but closer to 9mm. H&R figures are nice also. However, I'm trying to hold off new scales and periods until I'm finished with my present project. Like that will never happen! This brings me to the bulk of my letter. In MWAN #91, you said you were looking for articles on periods people are doing with details on figures, rules and terrain. Well, here's one on the American War of Independence. I have tried to follow your guidelines from the editorial. My interest in the AWI goes back to when I was very young watching The Swampfox on Disney, although it's hard to watch the reruns now. Clamdiggers and pennyloafers was the uniform of choice with a long rifle that shot cork balls. Yes, they sell this still in some historical sites but I don't think they shoot. The first figures I had were a mixed bag bought from a department store. Later, I used the Timpo figures and Britians with Lincoln log buildings. I had originally planned on doing this period in 15mm and even bought 300 figures from Freik-orps 15 but when I saw some 25mm's, I knew this would be my chosen scale. Now my collection contains Front Rank, Old Glory, RSK Foundry and Firing Line. The FR figures are 26mmH on the Barrett scale. The figures are chunky and the weapons seem a little short, but they paint well. I like these figures and they have an extensive range. OG are 26M and offer a good line. They look a little odd in the positions and the facial expressions but are OK once painted and the range covers the period well. RSM are 27L and are simple figures. They lack the exaggerated detail of other figures but I like their elegant line. The Americans have cut off coats. The artillery is in vests and small clothes. Foundrys' are 28H, big, bulky Grenadiers without facings. Firing line is my favorite - 27M well proportioned, finely sculpted. The heads come separate, as do the sword arms, so a variety of styles can be shown. At this time, they only have Dragoons but will soon be expanding the line. For buildings, I've been scratch building. I have two wood houses and a stone house. Wood rail fences, stonewalls and trees from HEKI. My hills and grass mat are by GEOHEX. The next building will be a blockhouse. To organize my army, I've chosen to build one capable of fighting Saratoga. I'm using THE WHITES OF THEIR EYES as the source with a scale of 1:50. I'm not at the 550+ figures needed (I'll do both sides) but it's a goal. In the interim I'm building for a Hubbarton scenario at 1:20 and will build division by division until I can do Saratoga. I'm sure that along the way I will have to get some Iroquois to do some of the skirmish raids along the border.
(Editor's Note: Thanks for your letter, Dan - I always find it interesting to see how other people approach their periods! A K7 is very tempting for me - the thought of being able to do 25mm units 1:10 or at most, 1:20 is very appealing! Also, the figure manufacturers you mentionedproduce very fine figures- I would strongly urge you to look at the REDOUBT figures for this period 7hey are outstanding as well. While at HISTONCON Russ Dunaway of OLD GLORY showed me the two new packs of 25mm A 97 and they are very good I was very close to purchasing both of them! All I need is another period. What else, tempts me about this period is the fine buildings in 25mm for the above. I saw several of them at HISTORICON in Steve Haller's game (author of THE WHITES OF THEIR EYES) and they were most impressive! By the way, this looks like a very good set of rules to use)
Back to MWAN #102 Table of Contents
Back to MWAN List of Issues
Back to MagWeb Magazine List
© Copyright 1999 Hal Thinglum
This article appears in MagWeb (Magazine Web) on the Internet World Wide Web.
Other military history articles and gaming articles are available at http://www.magweb.com