Re basing as most experienced wargamers know, is a pain in the bum. So when I decided to re base ALL my 6mm Napoleonic armies for the new Blucher rules, I forgot to factor in the sheer tedium that re basing is.
As I have started re basing, I realised that some of my armies are now being re based for the third time. Initially they were based as battalions for a set of rules that John had put together which worked really well. Then came Volley and Bayonet which were brigade based, and were an excellent set of rules, and now of course the Blucher rules. Still that's only three sets in well over 25 years, so I don't think I can be accused of jumping on the latest trend.
I've started with Davout's Third Corps for 1809, which is probably my favourite. Certainly it was the best trained and led.
In the original armies, Volley and Bayonet needed a lot of Divisional Commanders, which I represented by using the larger 6mm? Adler figures on separate bases. Adler are beautiful figures, but too detailed and large for my taste, however I thought that placing the original commanders in the brigades was a nice piece of artistic licence. The corps weighs in at 180 points for a Blucher game. But that includes Davout who is given a Vigourous classification. Most Blucher games are 300 points per side by the way.
Because I am a bit anal, I also painted up the First Corps led by Davout in the 1812 campaign. Now this was an army in itself as Napoleon rightly recognised that Davout was his most able commander. I wouldn't like to think how many points that would total for Blucher.
They look fantastic - are you snookered now if you wish to revisit previous rulesets?
ReplyDeleteWell its fair to say Ive crossed my Rubicon, I could have left my armies on their Volley and Bayonet bases and fought Blucher, but I wanted to update them anyway. Thinking about it, there is nothing to stop me using the new based units for Volley and Bayonet as they are both based on brigades, but I would have to keep roster sheets.
DeleteRobbie- they look like nice pretty counters- and whats all this points nonsense- didn't think that was your style at all . You'll be list building next !
ReplyDeleteAndy, I knew you would pick up on that. The points are purely there to reflect the make up of the armies. Naturally one would get more Austrians or Spanish for your points, which is fairly acceptable. There are no list however, they are based on the real orders of battle.
DeleteWhy would you get more Austrians or Spanish ? Its not automatic Spanish armies were no bigger than the French- sometimes smaller. Less well trained and equipped yes.. Automatically more numerous No .
DeleteBut then - for me less than 20 "counters" does not look like a Napoleonic Corps but that does not stop them being very pretty orange ball or not
I think they look absolutely great Robbie. Any suggestion that they are merely pretty counters is more than a little off but.....
ReplyDeleteCut those 'orrible white stripes and orange spots off the back of them and they wouldn't be counters any more ....
DeleteNow Colin, Your only working Andy, each to their own, and all that.
DeleteMoi?
DeleteRobbie,
ReplyDeleteexcellent pieces, look superb. Just want a game now :)
Graham
Graham,
DeleteIve used these rules three times now, with John adding new features in each game. The system is slick and well thought through.The tension created by not knowing how many units you can move causes a lot of thinking which is great. Really you can see just how much effort Sam Mustafa has put into these rules, and he is to be applauded for that.
Most impressive! I like your diorama style very much indeed.
ReplyDeleteThanks Michael,
DeleteMost wargamers using 6mm dont seem to try and make the figures more interesting by tarting up the bases.
Look good. Not my cup of tea but I can appreciate the overall appearance. And I know what you mean about rebasing, which is why I'm infilling mine with new figures to pretend it's notust about rebasing.
ReplyDeleteEvening Paul,
Delete6mm tends to divide opinion, and certainly when John and I used to put on games at the shows, the opinion could be quite strong. Re basing can be a chore, but as long as there is a real point to it, it can be worth it.
I am considering getting into 6mm, so your basing scheme is quite inspirational, thanks. Were I to build a French corps it would be Davout's outfit for sure. The Iron Marshal is my favourite. Not one of your flashy "look everyone I've looted half a country and this hussar is my mistress in drag" marshals, a soldier's soldier. Which OOB did you use for III Corps?
ReplyDeleteI tend to use Nafziger's lists. I know he is a bit tedious at times, but he does seem to get it right.I would also check out Volley and Bayonets 1809 campaign book. This is a very good source for Blucher.
DeleteMagnificient. That's what you call using the scale to it's best advantage!
ReplyDeleteYour right James, for the large encounters, the scale just looks right.
DeleteLooks great and impressive, very nice job on the 3rd corps!
ReplyDeleteThanks Phil,
Deleteonly 7 other Corps to go, plus all the Guard and the allies.