RATIOS

Ugh - sounds like maths! I suppose it is! But before you run away let me explain: When two wargamers meet for a game (and it is just a game) the ratio of figures on the table to their historical counterparts is of little consequence as long as the forces are reasonably balanced so each player has a chance of winning or achieving set objectives. When attempting to recreate a historic battle in miniature however, these ratios become immensely important. 

Many rules work on the basis that 1 figure represents a set number of men (say 1:20. 1:50 or 1:100 for example).The rules I have used for many years (Volley & Bayonet) work on the basis that rather than the figure representing a number of men, there are points per unit. So a unit represents a brigade and 1 point of strength represents 500 men. In pure V&B a unit is one base but I complicated this by having two bases per unit because I think it looks better and you can depict troops marching or in square without using counters. 

With me so far?

Right; currently a) dissatisfied with rules and b) fighting smaller battles... This has led to a series of dilemmas.

If I use a unit as a battalion I simply don't have enough figures for that and there will be no room for manoeuvre  same if I use a base (i.e. half a current unit) as a battalion.

If I use a unit as a regiment it is a bit odd and some of those Austrian regiments were pretty big in 1809. So I think I will go for something around this level - maybe making each base able to fight separately (using new rules but probably retaining the 'strength points') and perhaps giving the larger Austrian an extra base... I'll see how this works out...

So - currently this would be a French division with two bases representing a regiment. If you were to represent each battalion in this way you would need three times the number of figures = too many this area. If I go with each base representing a battalion I would only need to increase by a third. That's still a lot of painting. 

Battalions often operate independently, particularly in rough terrain so maybe that is the best way...

Or I could just divvy up the numbers, see how many 'strength points' that buys and distribute accordingly? Hmm...
 

New Book!

 

Once again I have ventured into the heady world of publishing to bring you an in depth look at the French Revolutionary Wars. This one is quite chunky and covers the Campaign in Flanders 1793-95. It is mostly from the British perspective though as this was coalition warfare the other major events are also covered. There are a lot of battles featured within the pages so if you are looking for some inspiration for gaming this period you need look no further! There are numerous maps and several orders of battle provided but I would recommend using Google Earth whilst you are reading - especially on the street view setting which will give you a real idea of the terrain.

Needless to say there will games reproduced here from the book (as soon as I have painted Austrian, British, Dutch, Prussian and French armies for the period!) so watch this space!