In among the parade of 18mm figures destined for the 1799 and SYW projects, a handful of Spanish-American War figures slipped into the painting queue. Figures are 25mm Old Glory from the super Spanish-American War range. A number of the 30-figure infantry packs includes one or two prone figures. Even though I do not like placing them on a stand with other figures in formed units, I did want to put them use. Well, I somewhat retract the distaste for placing prone figures on maneuver elements. Prone figures do look suitable for stands of skirmishers and I have used prone figures in skirmish vignettes before.
The solution I decided upon was to employ these prone figures as markers to identify unit status of "going to ground." For that, these figures are perfect. Once I discovered a use for these prone figure "castaways" that Old Glory added to each pack, my bemoaning of Old Glory packing useless prone figures into each pack turned to thoughts that they did not pack enough! That shortfall was easily remedied. Old Glory made up a custom pack of prone figures with my counts of nationality, service, and field dress. While they may not advertise the fact of custom packaging, this is not the first time Old Glory has provided packs customized to my specifications. Great company! Spanish-American War: Another project that ought to see some time at the gaming table.
That’s a very clever use for the prone figures: either as skirmisher units or to denote a status of a unit. Markers like that go along way to enhance a table top. My ACW stuff has markers like that (disordered or low on ammo or whatever). Old Glory is cool that they’ll do a custom pack as well. Nifty all around! đŸ˜€
Thanks, Stew! Figures as markers are a good way to disguise necessary game elements and preserve the spectacle of a miniatures game. "Fire & Fury" was the first game I played where miniatures as markers were prevalent. FF looked good because of that direction.
Thank you, Matt! Yes, these could be used as casualty figures too. How to distinguish between prone and casualty, though? Maybe taking a soft hammer to them would do the trick?
Old Glory is a great company to work with. If you ask them for something special like this, they will almost always try to accommodate you. I remember when Joe wanted 24 x 28 mm Buffalo (only) out of an Indian hunting set. Russ replied, I'll get back to you on how e could do that", and Joe had them within a month or so.
Thanks,Peter! Old Glory has come through more than once for me. With their 10mm ACW limbers and teams, they probably pack enough horses for six per limber. Since I use four horses per limber, I eventually ended up with a big surplus of horses. I asked if I could have a bunch of limbers only and they happily obliged. This is another example of their terrific service.
Like you Jonathan I dislike prone figures in the rank and file stands, but agree that in a skirmishing stand they are appropriate. I too use them as gone to ground markers.
I did the same thing with 15mm ww2 stuff - used a small square base with a single prone figure to denote that a unit had gone to ground. I thought it looked better than putting counters on the table (if I wanted to play with counters I'd play a BOARD GAME!?). But I can recall at least one person complaining that it always confused them and made them think that the unit had more elements than it did (despite the fact that is was smaller than half the size of the regular bases - and smaller even than the command stand!?)
Generally speaking, however, I despise prone figures in games. I do get that a modern infantryman does spend a fair bit of time on the ground, for games it is just too annoying. They require a different sized base than the rest of the squad/unit and take up way more space on the table - and in my storage drawers!
The other thing about prone figures that drives me CrAzY is many manufacturers have prone figures (often LMG gunners for more modern conflicts) in lines that otherwise have only advancing figures. I can almost tolerate them if there is a mix of poses in the unit including advancing, crouches and running, and kneeling figures... (Perry miniatures is good that way) But it makes NO sense to me why companies would make all their figures advancing... and then have one or two guys that are prone. It looks ridiculous on the table - who are these guys that are laying down with the rest of the unit is obviously on the move!?
(I'll just stop ranting now and go back to painting in my little corner... sorry...)
To solve this problem with LMG gunners and loaders for WWII small unit tactical games at either platoon or company level, I field two sets of figures for LMG teams. One team is deployed in the firing position while the second is in maneuver mode advancing. This makes it easy to see at a glance the mode the LMG team is in with no question as if it is deployed or not. Eliminates a lot of questions and discussions regarding the attitude of such piece.
Great idea! I was always uncomfortable shooting with a marching MG team and thought a prone team crawling along beside their upright team mates looked wrong too. :)
When i was playing Flames of War, prone figures, whilst not being my favourite, just added a little more interest into a 15mm boring all-brown/green infantry platoon, so I didn't mind the odd one on a base now and again to break things up. Now I've moved away from 15mm in the main and onto 28mm, I really try to avoid prone sculpts. I have them, use them, but they are just a pain to base convingly and also transport as they tend to be that much too big to stick in my foam transports.
I like the idea of using prone minis as markers and remember games of RF&F ACW with Stew (He commented above) where some were used in just that fashion. Might have to begin using some for other games too as it's a great idea really.
For my 15mm WWII project, I too use prone figures on some of the bases. I use the prone LMG teams to show a deployed weapon and then swap the prone stand out with an advancing stand when the LMG is moving.
F&F and RF&F both were instrumental in getting status markers on the table rather than status chits. It was a big step forward, I think.
Good to make a connection between your fine self and Stew.
2 uses: - either use them as markers (depending on your rules) - I also often use prone and wounded figures as "scenery" to make the battlefield come alive.
Much better you decided to use them in fours instead of single figure markers! And Kudos to old glory!
ReplyDeleteDavid, these will be used as single figure markers. I pushed them together for photos only.
DeleteGood shout. They might work on a base that has some fencing or rocks on etc, but attractive markers are always a worthwhile pursuit.
ReplyDeleteGlad you approve, Norm!
DeleteOk. But they do look great by the strip!
DeleteA clever way to use these prone figures which look excellent.
ReplyDeleteThanks!
DeleteNice use of surplus figures!
ReplyDeleteBest Iain
It is!
DeleteBrilliant! Now if I can only remember where I put all those prone figures.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Bill! For me, things not used, are easily misplaced.
DeleteNever been a fan of prone figures especially in my scale of 15mm but these are a good idea!
ReplyDeleteI'm with you. I do not care much for prone figures either but I make an exception in this case.
DeleteGood idea!
ReplyDeleteI have one occasionally!
DeleteInspired job!
ReplyDeletePhil, you are always so kind.
DeleteExcellent work as always Jonathan!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Michal!
DeleteThat’s a very clever use for the prone figures: either as skirmisher units or to denote a status of a unit. Markers like that go along way to enhance a table top. My ACW stuff has markers like that (disordered or low on ammo or whatever).
ReplyDeleteOld Glory is cool that they’ll do a custom pack as well.
Nifty all around! đŸ˜€
Thanks, Stew! Figures as markers are a good way to disguise necessary game elements and preserve the spectacle of a miniatures game. "Fire & Fury" was the first game I played where miniatures as markers were prevalent. FF looked good because of that direction.
DeleteOld Glory is a buyer friendly company, for sure.
Nice job and a good use of awkward figures, The other option I guess is to use them as casualties with a bit of bending and filing.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Matt! Yes, these could be used as casualty figures too. How to distinguish between prone and casualty, though? Maybe taking a soft hammer to them would do the trick?
DeleteLOL!
DeleteFine painting!I love the white tones
ReplyDeleteon the british helmets!
Thank you!
DeleteThey look great, and a clever idea, Jon.
ReplyDeleteOld Glory is a great company to work with. If you ask them for something special like this, they will almost always try to accommodate you. I remember when Joe wanted 24 x 28 mm Buffalo (only) out of an Indian hunting set. Russ replied, I'll get back to you on how e could do that", and Joe had them within a month or so.
Thanks,Peter! Old Glory has come through more than once for me. With their 10mm ACW limbers and teams, they probably pack enough horses for six per limber. Since I use four horses per limber, I eventually ended up with a big surplus of horses. I asked if I could have a bunch of limbers only and they happily obliged. This is another example of their terrific service.
DeleteTypically, I avoid prone figures when at all possible, but your solution is perfect.
ReplyDeleteI avoid them too but once-in-a-while they become useful.
DeleteLike you Jonathan I dislike prone figures in the rank and file stands, but agree that in a skirmishing stand they are appropriate. I too use them as gone to ground markers.
ReplyDeleteWe have much in common, Mark!
DeleteThese look great!
ReplyDeleteI did the same thing with 15mm ww2 stuff - used a small square base with a single prone figure to denote that a unit had gone to ground. I thought it looked better than putting counters on the table (if I wanted to play with counters I'd play a BOARD GAME!?). But I can recall at least one person complaining that it always confused them and made them think that the unit had more elements than it did (despite the fact that is was smaller than half the size of the regular bases - and smaller even than the command stand!?)
Generally speaking, however, I despise prone figures in games. I do get that a modern infantryman does spend a fair bit of time on the ground, for games it is just too annoying. They require a different sized base than the rest of the squad/unit and take up way more space on the table - and in my storage drawers!
The other thing about prone figures that drives me CrAzY is many manufacturers have prone figures (often LMG gunners for more modern conflicts) in lines that otherwise have only advancing figures. I can almost tolerate them if there is a mix of poses in the unit including advancing, crouches and running, and kneeling figures... (Perry miniatures is good that way) But it makes NO sense to me why companies would make all their figures advancing... and then have one or two guys that are prone. It looks ridiculous on the table - who are these guys that are laying down with the rest of the unit is obviously on the move!?
(I'll just stop ranting now and go back to painting in my little corner... sorry...)
Thank you, Tim!
DeleteBoy, this is a good rant!
To solve this problem with LMG gunners and loaders for WWII small unit tactical games at either platoon or company level, I field two sets of figures for LMG teams. One team is deployed in the firing position while the second is in maneuver mode advancing. This makes it easy to see at a glance the mode the LMG team is in with no question as if it is deployed or not. Eliminates a lot of questions and discussions regarding the attitude of such piece.
Great idea! I was always uncomfortable shooting with a marching MG team and thought a prone team crawling along beside their upright team mates looked wrong too. :)
DeleteWhen i was playing Flames of War, prone figures, whilst not being my favourite, just added a little more interest into a 15mm boring all-brown/green infantry platoon, so I didn't mind the odd one on a base now and again to break things up.
ReplyDeleteNow I've moved away from 15mm in the main and onto 28mm, I really try to avoid prone sculpts. I have them, use them, but they are just a pain to base convingly and also transport as they tend to be that much too big to stick in my foam transports.
I like the idea of using prone minis as markers and remember games of RF&F ACW with Stew (He commented above) where some were used in just that fashion. Might have to begin using some for other games too as it's a great idea really.
For my 15mm WWII project, I too use prone figures on some of the bases. I use the prone LMG teams to show a deployed weapon and then swap the prone stand out with an advancing stand when the LMG is moving.
DeleteF&F and RF&F both were instrumental in getting status markers on the table rather than status chits. It was a big step forward, I think.
Good to make a connection between your fine self and Stew.
2 uses:
ReplyDelete- either use them as markers (depending on your rules)
- I also often use prone and wounded figures as "scenery" to make the battlefield come alive.
I had not thought of prone figures as scenery. Good idea! Thanks for dropping in and commenting, Phil!
DeleteI was curious how these guys were going to get used. Neat idea.
ReplyDeleteThat is my plan. Now, to get them onto the gaming table.
Delete