"Longstreet in 6mm" Topic

A brief report of a game of Longstreet we played last night, using my 6mm figures:

link

Good report and nice pictures.

Agreed, thanks!

Are those four rank deep units brigades or regiments? A lot of Longstreet pics seem to have units four ranks deep, which is twice the normal depth. Is this because the rules nominally want a base with one rank of figs thus giving a normal two-rank unit when they're placed two deep? Since I think most players base their smaller figs two ranks deep anyway it seems like that could be a reason…

I base my 6mm ACW also two deep on a 20x20mm base. It does give the impression of a line four men deep, but I just rationalize it as if it is really two units (regiments) one behind the other in support. I've even begun modelling the bases with a small space in either the front of back to provide some distance between the lines.

"Are those four rank deep units brigades or regiments?"

In Longstreet they are regiments, but they could be just about anything in other games. My figures are based for use with any set of rules which takes my fancy – 20mm square bases seems to be a practical standard, and two deep is the best way of making the 6mm figures look good.

The firing "Line" formation in Longstreet is one base deep. This looks fine for our purposes if figures are 2 ranks deep on each base. You end up with a 2 figure deep line. A formation often adopted in Longstreet to maximise charge impact is 2 bases deep, so that all bases of the unit count in the attack. This is NOT a firing line but an assault column of sorts (not a named formation in Longstreet). This is where we see 4 ranks of figures if they are based in 2 ranks and people seem to object that this does not look "Civil War" enough. But it is perfectly reasonable if you don't consider this as a firing line but a formation adopted for a charge. There seems to be a reluctance to shake out veteran units (who are less likely to charge anyway) into single base deep firing lines for maximum fire power. If this is done then the basing convention we adopted gives the good look and feel of a Civil War battle.

I often put my lines into proper line for firing… the only downside is that two enemy battalions can compress their frontage and hit me at once in close combat. It really hinges on what you expect the enemy to do, and if you want to keep your line wide enough to get maximum firepower vs making it a bit deep and cost yourself firepower but give yourself some mass.

… the only downside is that two enemy battalions can compress their frontage and hit me at once in close combat. It really hinges on what you expect the enemy to do…

Precisely! Although veteran units tend to be smaller, so your frontage ends up being a little less enticing for those gang-up attacks. Valid point though; you really have to read your opponent and use lines where they're not likely to be outnumbered.