Having finished the first games of Land of the Free (LotF) and the review (whew! reviewing is hard work), I plan to give the LotF a test with my 15mm AWI collection. Since each of my line battalions consist of around 360 men (ratio 20:1 with 18 figures plus mounted officer) on a 2.5 inch frontage, the given LotF musket range of 12" in the game would equate to over 400 yards if kept the same! Point blank range would correspond to an actual range of over 100 yards. To me, a better solution is to replace the Units of Measure (UoM), inches with centimeters. That results in the 12 cm musket range now representing about 170 yards with point blank only reaching to 42 yards. Those ranges are more believable and switching from inches to centimeters is easy. All measurements remain as before only in a different UoM. Some new measurement sticks will be needed but that is also easy.
Still need to select a scenario for the 15mm test run. To hopefully get some inspiration and ideas, I pulled the collection from the shelf and opened the boxes. Besides, I need to remember exactly what I have. It has been a very long time since these models have seen the light of the game room!
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| 15mm AWI Collection |
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| American Box 1 |
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| Germans (mostly) |
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| American Box 2 |
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| British |
Many of the figures are split between Frontier Miniatures and Jeff Valent (the old Washington's War range) with a few other manufacturers added in. I had forgotten how much I enjoyed the Frontier figures especially the Hessians. Great figures even by today's standards. There has always been a soft spot for the German contingents. Germans were the first regiments I fielded for the 28mm AWI project and Von Mirbach, Von Rall, and Von Donop were the first three regiments painted for the 15mm AWI Project back in 2000. Perhaps, I will use the Germans in the scenario? What about Knyphausen's attack at Chadd's Ford at Brandywine? Should not be too big a battle and one that I could resolve solo.
This exercise might be a good opportunity to try Fields of Honor, American War of Independence rules by Shane Lacy Hensley. These rules have been on the shelf for many years. Simple mechanisms derived from Hensley's colonial rules, Fields of Honor. Read many times; played none. Using multiple rules for the same battle can often provide interesting insight into both. A compare and contrast activity might be on the agenda.
Suggestions for a test scenario?
nice collection of figures you have there Jonathan...as for a test (match up) scenario I would setup 2 -3 artillery units facing infantry in lines and columns and see what what happens? another words see if artillery are deadly, infantry vs infantry fire fights are deadly, cavalry vs cavalry and so on......
ReplyDeleteGood suggestions, Phil! I have used exactly your suggested method for sanity testing my own rules. Inconsistencies can be identified early on in the design process.
DeleteFor this exercise, I would like to find a smallish historical scenario with known results, if possible.
its great to dig out old long for figures, I'll look forward to a report or two!!
ReplyDeleteYeah, it is fun to bring out the old stuff. It is sometimes surprising how much the collection has grown over the years.
DeleteI vote for Germantown or Monmouth.
ReplyDeleteThanks for your suggestions! I will look into both. Maybe parts of each of these battle could be fought independently since both are large battles. Larger with respect to a solo trial.
DeleteWell, I can see you've got no more place for new figures, just send me them if you want...I am always ready to help!
ReplyDeleteA great, big collection!
You are quite funny, Phil! If I run out of storage space, I will let you know.
DeleteThat's an impressive collection! After having just visited Brandywine that gets my vote!
ReplyDeleteChristopher
Focusing on the action only at Chadd's Ford is a scenario that fits into a smaller, solo effort. Chadd's Ford is at the top my list too but I must research the other recommendations as well.
DeleteGreat collection that definitely needs some Tabletop time.
ReplyDeleteWith your detailed painting analysis, do you have a similar tally of what you actually own (painted only)? My Napoleonic tally is up to date and pretty accurate, but I never seem to get around to doing the same for my other periods...
Peter, of course, I keep a record of everything I've painted! Since all but a very few units have been painted by myself, the counts are virtually one and the same. It is all up to date too.
DeleteThe AWI 15s will see some table action soon.
LOL, I should have known. Now that means I shall have to work harder on my other period tallies...
Delete"Dear me! We must catalog our wealth, and prepare it for shipment..." :-)
A very very impressive collection Jonathan. Drawn to the 28 scale, I'm slowly opening my eyes to the wonders of smaller scales, offering a more ratio-natural and bird's eye visual experience of a battle field. Plus, I'm surprised by the sculpting quality of some 15-ranges! Looking forward to some AAR in 15.
ReplyDeleteRegards
Sören
The 15mm AWI project is an oldie but a goodie. While many of the figures are not up to the standards of the sculpting quality of today's 15mm releases, they do have their own charm.
DeleteHopefully, these troops will see some action on the tabletop soon.