RFCM

Ooops. TLAs can be so misleading. In due course.

Derek of Cambridge

idc then? If there's to be a pack of Brits through the breach might I suggest these are:

Second Lieutenant Blunt
Sergeant Major Lyrist
Sergeant Tweed
Sergeant Crone
Rifleman Barrel
Rifleman Travis

That leaves two, assuming the usual eight pack. Plenty more to choose from if needed.

Derek of Cambridge

I would argue that for any scenery there are only 2 issues that matter:

1. Does it look right? If the gamers feel that it jars then it isn't acceptable regardless of footprint, height etc.
2. Does it fit in with the rules in use? Is it clear that it is impassable, blocks line of sight, provides cover or whatever else.

Nothing else matters.

Derek of Cambridge

I would reinforce a lot of what Martin says from my own experience and I have no connection to PP, if that makes a difference. I began building armies some 50 odd years ago when 25mm (not even 28mm) was about the only scale available in metal.

Apart from weight look at storage and transport. "Home" or "away" games. My figures (with the relevant scenery) now have their own room in the house for practical, rather than "show off" reasons.

Purchases are now all 15mm because I still think of 5mm figures as microblobs. Age doesn't help – remembering one game when players were forever picking up the models. Not to determine what particular tank it was but to see if it was tank or a truck.

Derek of Cambridge

An anonymous message arrives in your email in-box. A Nigerian millionaire has heard that you have some model soldiers that you may be willing to sell. He does not know their period or scale but he is keen to purchase these for $100 each. All you have to do prior to shipping the figures is pay for the contact to arrange for the necessary import papers for such valuable items. Luckily the millionaire knows a solicitor who can arrange such paper work. Despite being a highly reputable firm of solicitors they will only accept Western Union transfers.
 
Derek of Cambridge

A blast from the past I realise! In the Mill 5, Part B, Field Battery Gamette there are effects given for fire on the battery. How? They are not fired upon and the rules specifically state "The only shooting carried out in "Field Battery" is by the gun."
I am using "The assaulter may deduct some of his movement d6 and make a more cautious advance. The deductions allow sniper and skirmishers to roll instead (if these are an available request). Does this make sense or am I missing something?
 
Derek of Cambridge

Reminds me of a firebase game I played in hosted by the late, great, Paddy Grffith. All players in this multi-player game were allocated roles and the game was an afternoon, real time, attack on a firebase. The VC were beaten off and the players dined, played a few short, smaller, games elsewhere, had a few drinks and then went to bed. Being typical wargamers nobody noticed/was bothered that the game hadn't been put away – there's always tomorrow. At about 3am the VC (who were in on the situation) attacked again. One American player who was known to be keen on this type of game, was "on watch" and roused early. Everything else was left to "let's see what happens". A cassette player played appropriate noises as and when applicable. Eventually some US players roused their troops/themselves and established a defence. Some even brought torches/flashlights. Not claimed to be a realistic situation but brought a great, appropriate. atmosphere to the game

Derek of Cambridge

Basically, have what you want. The easiest way to check needs for numbers per base is to do a "count upwards". Can you do 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 etc. as each may appear in the count down? Hence my 1, 2 then 4s.

Derek of Cambridge

A 1 and a 2 then as many fours as you need will enble any countdown.

Derek of Cambridge

There's also context to consider. I've no experience of it but I'd imagine that a spaceship game making heavy use of computers was okay. It would feel right. Ancients though! - Not right at all.

Derek of Cambridge

Did anyone else dabble in the computerised wargame? I did once - never again. The toys were set up on the table and moved by the players (free movement, no grids). Combats were resolved by the computer after the situation of the combatants had been meticulously input via dozens of questions. Casualties and the status of units involved was kept hidden by the PC and only the obvious things like rout, retire etc were told to the players. Each move took ages. Dice rolls were kept secret by the PC. (Probably the best thing about the game - was a unit hammered or just unlucky?) I dare say that modern techniques could be vastly better. Not for me though. A tedious, souless exercise.

Derek of Cambridge

Not in 15mm but I have a 4ft long central spine (paper covered expanded polystyrene) for a chariot race in 54mm that I made for a public participation game in St Helier, Jersey. (Different part of the same story - Elizabeth Castle, where the event was held was only accessible by DUKW at the set-up time and whilst disembarking I fell between the DUKW and the jetty.)

Derek of Cambridge

Re: The Waterloo diorama. A good read about this is "Wellington's Smallest Victory" a £2 paperback from Amazon

Derek of Cambridge

I like these too. In common with most RFCM rules that I possess, I rarely use "the package", (rules, armies, figures, scenery placement, table size etc.) but use the core rules alone. For example, Regt of Foote is usually used with 28mm figures and historical scenarios. This works well and has given some superb games. Often the 3 commanders (centre, left and right) are supplemented by a 4th, reserve or allied commander but it works well.

Derek of Cambridge

Cannot say when the "Wild Geese" term/name started but the concept of Irish serving in other armies started much earlier. Osprey do a Wild Geese MAA book.

Derek of Cambridge