As Ray has organised a square bashing day for 2026 I thought it a good time to chat about the armies.
1916-1918 all theatres.
I was looking at something unusual.
First thought. Spartakists army 33.
I like to attack. The attack numbers are quite low. Overall this army has nothing going for it. If an army has one strength but nay weaknesses I would give it a go for SB day.
Second thought. Freikorps.
Maybe too good. plenty of armour and MGs.
Third thought. African native army. Good attack points but appalling assets and loads of reservist infantry. Might be fun? I can see the pre game upsetting opponents. That might be a problem? With 8 base edge square only 24 units could be fitted on to the table.
3 MGs =60
3 cavalry (reservist)= 48
2 professional infantry= 110
2 regular infantry = 80
15 reservist infantry (21)= 315
TOTAL=613
25 units.
About 300 figures. maybe make 1 pack of natives and cast it off many times?
Herero, Nama or Abyssinians.
I quite like this......
Date wise the army would be Abyssinian (although the Herero would look more interesting). They might be enjoyable to make???
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battle_of_Segale#/media/File:%22Battle_of_Segale%22,_Ethiopia_1916,_Translation_Help.JPG
martin :)
One of the issues for the Late War is there are some 'uber' armies. Those with ratings over 35 are just tough opponents for the minor armies (rating sub 20). Its not much fun being gassed and barraged every turn when you are the Turks (or some such)
My suspicion is that everyone will want to bring 1918
Simon
I agree Simon. Those late war Brits and Germans will smash most opponents.
However a native army would be amusing if it did hurt those 1918 armies (possibly).
martin :)
Of course we will need some SB practice beforehand?
Miles
I agree Miles.
11th July is the SB Entoyment battle day. Obviously late for the Daventry adventure.
Would you and others be interested in an SB battle day before June? That can be easily arranged.
Maybe we can try some new SB ideas.
My main idea would be to have a re-roll for fights as in PBI,BB and CK.
The long discussed SB next edition might start later this year? (after PITS, napoleonic)
martin :)
We could swap May battle day (CWB) for Sq Bashing
Stewart
Stewart I think that could be a could be a very good idea ? A lot more logical!
For once I ve actually got my own army up together for this period ? It's only taken me X amount of years to get to this stage ? Lol
Miles
No idea what to use yet...maybe Russians?
Russians are interesting Sean. How about Italians or Freikorps?
martin :)
Could do Friekorps, but don't own Italians.
If doing freikorps you can use German regulars. I have spare if that helps.
martin :)
Thank you. I've plenty of options for Friekorps or Spartakists.
Looking through the lists these all look interesting:
51 Chinese Warlord army status 28
Lots of reservists, poor assets, but may use a Fort!
50 US Army Status 46(!)
Can use BARS giving +1 in attack or defence for 7pts extra per unit.
47 Polish Status 35
Can have a train but again poor assets
45 RCW Archangel Status 39
42 RCW Red Shock army Status 42
Better assets. Must use attack command order.
38 Russian late war Status 32
Can have 4 woods!
33 Spartakists Status 19
Must have 3 or 4 buildings
31 and 32 British Revolution left or right wing Status 25 and 19
Lots of choice!
Must admit, I thought a lot of these are meant to be for next years games 1919 revolution year ?
I thought 1916-1918 the end of WW1 ?
Or is it me getting confused?
I was going to put up a 1918 British western front army.
Hopefully next year either do an Archangel force or a British revolution one ?
Miles
I may be confused, but these armies are all applicable for 1916-1918.
31 and 32 British Revolution left or right wing Status 25 and 19
I thought these were 1919 ?
Maybe I read it wrongly?
Miles
I think Ray is saying 1916-1918.
I think we are excluding and RCW armies in order to make next year RCW only??
An RCW day would be most interesting.
martin :)
Agreed Martin.
With what I have I would have to go with Archangel force and get some extra bases of "lower Quality" ?
Miles
Understood. My mistake. Maybe American for me then.
That is only my interoperation. Might be very wrong. Ray will doubtless clarify I suspect.
martin :)
No I think you're right Martin.
Quote from: Sean Clark on January 15, 2026, 11:16:29 AMThank you. I've plenty of options for Friekorps or Spartakists.
Looking through the lists these all look interesting:
51 Chinese Warlord army status 28
Lots of reservists, poor assets, but may use a Fort!
I dont think anyone does Chinese Warlord troops in 15mm - sadly
A Chinese army can be made using Mexican regulars and Russian WW1/RCW figures without too much trouble.
martin :)
Quote from: martin goddard on January 18, 2026, 04:04:53 PMA Chinese army can be made using Mexican regulars and Russian WW1/RCW figures without too much trouble.
martin :)
It would be useful to have a pack of "Big Sword" troops
Quote from: martin goddard on January 18, 2026, 09:48:50 AMThat is only my interoperation. Might be very wrong. Ray will doubtless clarify I suspect.
martin :)
My main concern setting this up was to move quickly in booking the date. So, I did not list a comprehensive roster of armies that could be used but in general terms I was thinking on the same lines as Miles has mentioned in this thread. In my initial email, proposing the theme of Mid and late War (1916-1918) combined, I did make the point that this would allow us to
move directly on to a RCW / British Civil War theme in 2027. So, as next year we will be playing RCW/BCW let's exclude those for this year. Also leave the German Spartakist & Friekorp for 2027 as part of a '1919' theme. Also, exclude the Chinese Warlord army which was used last year.
The Mid - Late War theme allows plenty of choice for this year, including the US Army and the late war Russian army. Also, Martin's idea of using an African native army, which I do confess to having had a fleeting thought about.
If I can find suitable figures I may try to do Americans then.
In a first for me, and possibly a last, I'll be using a 3D printed army.
My friend Ade is very good with 3D printers and is going to print me a US army with all the figures I could ever need.
Now, depending on how long it takes for him to print it will decide how long I have to paint it!
Hopefully by the next we do 1918, I might have an American army done ? With PP troops and a collection of FoW troops I bought off eBay a few years ago from an old Portbury club member ?
But this year and next is British Armies as I have 1918 one ready.
Just need to look at what "militia" I need for next year ?
If I have enough time I was going to use my PiTS force as Militia? In "Home Service uniform"? A slight streeeeech of the imagination? Lol
Miles
Quote from: Sean Clark on January 19, 2026, 10:17:21 PMIf I can find suitable figures I may try to do Americans then.
Sean, if you do not get it in time I have a US army you can borrow. Ray
Quote from: pigsticker on January 21, 2026, 08:31:00 AMQuote from: Sean Clark on January 19, 2026, 10:17:21 PMIf I can find suitable figures I may try to do Americans then.
Sean, if you do not get it in time I have a US army you can borrow. Ray
Thanks Ray 👍
What about the Mexican Americans mix in with late Era French and some British ?
Miles
I would assume the Mexican range Americans would be suitable as they are the same time period. With a mix of late war British, I think they would be covered. Not sure whether the Doughboys used Adrian helmets though?
Quote from: Sean Clark on January 21, 2026, 12:25:04 PMI would assume the Mexican range Americans would be suitable as they are the same time period. With a mix of late war British, I think they would be covered. Not sure whether the Doughboys used Adrian helmets though?
Apparently the segregated Black troops who fought under French command wore the Adrian helmet. The USMC wore it before it was replaced by the US version of the Brodie
While the 'cowboy' campaign hat does look cooler , the tin hat would be more likely and the 'overseas hat' for 'soft' head gear . The ww1 British range is probably a better fit . But I'd forgive you for 'rule of cool'
Your approbation is much welcomed! ;D
I did forget to mention that some head changes would probably be necessary, which for myself is just another part of the process but unfortunately can be nightmares for others ?
Bur putting Americans on the battlefield 1918 is not unnecessarily a problem is my point ?
Miles
Yes I agree Miles.
However, my friend has the files from Turner Minaitures and is printing them for free for me.i suppose if I don't like them, I haven't lost any money :)
Fair enough, but not buying them P P tut tut ?
Lol
Miles
I have spent thousands of pounds on my Peter Pig figures over the years and own over 2 dozen armies of purely Peter Pig figures.
But I don't mind trying out an offer of a free army once in a while 😂🤣 It didn't end well last time when a friend gave me some Plastic Soldier Company German paras!