"Rockets in TSATF" Topic

Recently bought Colonial Campaigns The Zulu War scenario book which recommends TSATF rules but I can't see any rules for using British rockets. Any ideas??

The rules for british rockets are in the TSATF campaign supplement: The sun never sets.

I always like the "rubber band" rule – the firer stands behind the battery and snaps a rubber band in the general direction of the enemy. ;)

More usefully, there are all sorts of stat's for new weapons in "The Sun Never Sets" campaign rules (available from TVAG), which is yet another reason to get the book, aside from its intrinsic value. The stat's relevant to the Zulu War are:

7lb Gun (less powerful than the 9lb assumed in the rules): 4 crew, 2 dice per figure, short/long range 18"/36", Class I to hit short/long 5/3, Class II 5/4, Class III 4/3, Class IV 3/2.

9lb Hales Rocket (used by the Naval Brigade): 2 crew, range 48", to hit (any) 5 (ground burst), 3 (air burst).

24lb Hales Rocket (I don't think it was used in Zululand, but useful info): 2 crew, range 48", to hit (any) 5 (ground burst), 3 (air burst).

Firing rockets involves a couple of steps. Designate the target normally, except that there is a 12" minimum range. Every 12" along the path, roll 1d20: 1-3 = 45 right for 1d6+6", 4-6 = 45 left for 1d6+6", 7 = 1d6" straight and explode in air, 8 = 1d6" straight and explode on ground, 9-20 = continue straight, test again.

If you manage to reach the target, roll 1d6, and evens = ground burst (3" burst radius), odds = ground burst (2" burst radius). Roll for every target in the blast zone.

If the rocket passes within 1" of any cavalry etc. or any native infantry, they must pass a critical morale test. However, the Zulus don't seem to have been very impressed with either artillery or rockets, so you might want to give them a +1.

Cheers,

Christopher

PS – one can make a passable rocket trough from a heliograph tripod and some brass wire.

Many thanks Christopher. The Sun Never Sets looks interesting but would cost me $51 USD to the UK. If colonial gaming becomes popular at my club then I'll be tempted!

All the best,

Mark

And why would he want to buy it now that you've posted all the info he needed for free, anyway?

Why should he buy it if all he wants is some rules for rockets?

If a guy in your club wanted to put some rockets on the table, would you tell him the rules, or tell him to go and buy an extensive campaign system that just happens to have them in the back?

Sheesh!

Dear All,

Besides my own interest in TSNS for obvious reasons, allow me to add to this thread the reminder that the 9-pdr Hales rocket, with trough, is available inexpensively from The London War Room (www.thelondonwarroom.com) as part of the "Houston's Colonials" or "Artillery" listings.

I am unaware of anyone who makes the 24-pdr Naval variety--quite an oversite, if I may say so.

And to Mark RedLinePS, allow me to remind you that you can get "The Sun Never Sets" on CD (with full color graphics) for less than half the price of the Print Edition, just in case your interested.

Good Luck!

TVAG

TSNS is an interesting book per se with many great ideas and one I strongly recommend.

I got to know it very well as I've been translating it to Spanish for the last half of last year after I finished with the translation of TSATF.

i use about 10 wires of various lengths twisted, looped and partly straight. You roll your d10 and takes your wire; at the end is a paper star burst to show how big an explosion occurs. Anything under the path can take a morale check; anything under the starburst can take a chance at a hit.
Works fine.

Our home-grown rules for rockets in India involve every unit in the arc of fire having the chance to be hit, friend and foe included. Great fun but definitely not a battle winner.

Mine will go, "Ahhhhhhh-woooooooooooosh"!