Wargame Rules, Ratios, etc


RAISING MINIATURE ARMIES FOR THE LATE 18TH CENTURY

I am very keen to keep my wargame rules as simple as possible, yet capture the character of the 1790s. Morale dominates the games as the opposing sides are very different. Most of the French troops are 'levee' battalions, which I have chosen to base in column as their ability to change formation on a battlefield must have been limited, nor do I believe their volley fire had any great value. Of better quality, able to change formation, will be white-coated regular and blue-coated volunteer battalions, aided by a fair number of skirmishers. The British, Austrian, Dutch and German armies are often outnumbered, but they maintain the discipline and order of typical 18th century armed forces. Interestingly, French revolutionary cavalry have little in common with their later Napoleonic counterparts, the former are few in number, often poorly mounted, and no match for those in the service of the Allies. All figures are 28mm in scale, using a 1=25 ratio.

Followers

Saturday 19 March 2022

NEW BUILD HOUSING

Apologies for the few posts, I'm really into my 54mm Toy Soldier collecting at the moment (see my other blog) capturing my childhood once more, combined with the magic of old-time toy shops. But here is something which will work perfectly with my 28mm French Revolutionary armies.

Several years ago I purchased a music box biscuit tin for Christmas. It cost £5 and included a pack of shortbread biscuits. The Swiss mechanism plays, rather quaintly, DECK THE HALLS with Holly. With hindsight, it wasn't that great looking, and recently decided to get rid of it. Change of plan, decided to see if it could be converted into something more attractive. 

Completed yesterday, here it is. I'm a lot happier with it, and the tin container can also store some walls, railings, and street lamps. And the music only adds to my old style 'Toyshop Atmosphere'.

MGB

4 comments:

  1. Great idea, looks pretty damned fine. Over here the Christmas markets are chucking nasty little toy buildings at customers for the cost of a few Euros. Always good to bag a few and paint them up...perfect for the 18/19th century.
    Happy for you that you are enjoying your 54mm Project, I am however Missing my regular fix of 18th century Posts. Always inspirational.
    Hope you are well.
    Kindest regards
    Captain Brummel.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi CB, Think its fair to say I've really embraced my 54mm toy soldier collecting, and consider it a separate hobby. My 28mm are historical miniatures for recreating conflicts in history. My 54mm are toy soldiers I use to recapture my childhood, and the magic of old world toy shops 1950-80. I even gloss varnish the latter as a policy. Still, I am now reaching that point where my need to acquire more is reducing. Then its just gaming, with both 28mm and 54mm. Thats the plan.
      Cheers for now!
      Michael

      Delete
    2. Hi Michael,

      I have been going through old magazines and found an article about a days wargaming I had with John Tuckey, Sam Crabbe and in the evening your good self. It made me wonder whatever had happened to John and a search led me here. Thanks for the obituary.

      How are you? It's good to see you're still wargaming and I see we have a similar interest in the Eastern Renaissance. I currently live in Yorkshire. My games are mostly solo but I'm running the Virtual Wargames Club online and am the publications officer for the pike and Shot Society.
      If you'd like to get in touch and catch up on the last nearly 30 years you can email me on
      stephen.f.caddy@gmail.com

      all the best,

      Stephen

      Delete
    3. Hello Stephen, it certainly has been a long time since your moving up north. Mainly gaming with 54mm these days. Not doing that well with my health. First my kidneys, and now my heart, probably caused by the former. Oh well, happy to leave it to the medical staff, and ultimately God's hands. I'm still enjoying my hobbies! Will send an email a little later.
      Very best wishes,
      Michael

      Delete