Monday, July 10, 2017
Troops for Backyard Wars
I have been looking for the ideal figures for wargaming outside. I found that Britains Herald Guards figures in the prone position was a good figure for what I was looking for. No need to worry about him standing in rough terrain. Even with the dog running around the yard, he didn't disrupt the figures if he ran over them. Also, I just like the look of them, wearing dress uniforms with bearskins. They definitely have the look of toy soldiers. I recently bought 20 of these figures, and with the 6 I already have, this should be enough for some outside skirmishes. I've started painting the "blue" army. My next goal is to find the rules to use with these figures.
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You could use the classic "Little wars" which is downloadable free from the Guttenberg project or the more updated "Funny Little Wars" or some useful stuff on this forum http://littlewarsrevisited.boards.net/#category-1
ReplyDeleteI have used "Little Wars" in the past. I think using a toy cannon to try to shoot prone soldiers would make it difficult, even if I used a template to show burst pattern. I'm also not a big fan of how hand to hand combat works in LW. I will have to check out Funny Little Wars and thank you for the heads up on the forum mentioned, I will have to check it out tonight when I have more time.
ReplyDeleteI'd certainly support the suggestion that you us the FUNNY LITTLE WARS rules for your garden wargames.
ReplyDeleteI like your blue-coated guardsmen. The certainly look like the Danish Life Guards I recently saw on duty in Copenhagen.
All the best,
Bob
I have to give some consideration to FLW rules. As I don't even have a complete unit using FLW, I'm not sure if these rules are what I want. Ideally skirmish rules would be best for my "armies".
DeleteI particularly like the Danish uniforms as they look a lot like 19th century US army uniforms.
Looks great fun,I look forward to reading more...
ReplyDeleteAlan
These blue coated guardsmen look superb, John, and I also like the simple Officer conversion with drawn sword. Hope you find some suitable rules for your back garden games soon. Best wishes Mark, Man of TIN blog.
ReplyDeleteThe officers figures could use some extra work. I am thinking of using Chris Salander's H&M 2.0 rules, as they are good for skirmish style games. I also plan at least one cannon for each side, and possibly some cavalry.
DeleteGreat minds think alike gentlemen, I currently have some Guards undergoing recruitment to the service of Denmark on my painting table!
ReplyDeleteBTW I too would recommend Funnylittlewars- great rules and great fun.
Alan
I look forward to seeing your Guards. I would like to do some detail work on the figures, but right now I want to get them outside for some action.
DeleteThese guys are great, I've been planning a unit like this for 20 years. Must be almost time.
ReplyDeleteI've also been thinking about rules for small numbers of figures in rough ground outdoors. A dice box might allow something along my usual lines or a deck of cards for random numbers but it might be interesting to come up with something different for out side.
I've only played FLW once but apart from not being keen on it generally, I'm doubtful that it would work well for a small number of figures.
Actually reading your blog and looking at your conversions really inspired me and I have been looking for the right figures to use.
DeleteI did do a small test battle, using dice. I am thinking of if certain troops are better positioned they would get to fire first. I'm also thinking of using a periscope to decide which figures can fire. Of course, I don't want to complicate the game.
Your statement on FLW is what I was thinking after reading about the rules. And at the cost I'm going have to do more research before spending money on them.
I am afraid that I am not a great fan of FLW. I like Little Wars and am even OK with the hand to hand rules. For outside, I would go for very very simple, even for small numbers. A deck of custom cards allowing you to move/shoot/hand to hand or a combination for one, two or more soldiers drawn one or more at a time will give plenty of decision's to make.
ReplyDeleteI really like the blue troops. An army of prone or even crawling figures is certainly the answer to outdoors play.
ReplyDeleteI am trying to think of some other rules besides the rules I have been using. Cards is an idea worth thinking about.
ReplyDeleteI like the way the prone figures look using the natural terrain for cover. Hopefully the weather will improve so I can take both sides out for some practice.