"Beginner's question on which scale to chose" Topic

Hi,

i'm pondering about starting a Napoleonic naval project and was looking around a bit. It seems there are two scales to consider: 1/1200 and 1/2400. Could anyone of the experienced hands around here give me some hints as to the pros and cons of each of those scales?

I am especially concerned about the modeling and painting part… the rigging and stuff seems extraordinary daunting. Also, I'd be interested in opinions regarding the size of the playing area in comparison to the scale (so that it still looks good). I'm planning on small-scale affairs, not more than 4 or 5 ships a side, and I am thinking about using the Lardies Rules, Kiss Me Hardy.
Thanks for you help and please excuse my ignorance!

Cheers,
Shandy

it doesnt matter. which ever scale you pick, someone will say its wrong.

Are you only considering those two scales because there are more.

I game Napoleonic naval stuff in 1/900th scale with ships from Portsmouth miniatures, for smaller actions like the Nile.

But I use the Old Glory 1/2400 stuff for larger engagements.

If you are planning to do 4 or 5 ships a side you might want to look at the Portsmouth stuff. The construction makes the ships pretty durable.

Thanks Pictors Studio, that looks interesting, but I think they might be a tad too large for my playing area. I think I'll stick with either 1/1200 or 1/2400.

If you're short of space, Valiant Fighting Sail at 1:2000 are a good looking but compact option.

I'm a huge fan of the Langton models 1:1200 scale ships; they paint up well and basic rigging actually isn't that hard to achieve and always gets wows from observers lol. Check out rodlangton.com for more details. He also produces an EXCELLENT guide on painting and rigging 1:1200 scale ships.

Yes, the Langton ships have caught my eye… I was wondering how difficult it would be to get the 'wow'-effect and if 1/2400 might be easier to paint, as there is not that much detail… Maybe I just order one of the Langton models and try to paint it. If I don't succeed, you can buy the remainders of my tantrum on ebay :-)

I think you should try it! I was uncertain of what the outcome would be too when I started and I found they painted up fairly easily actually. I also just did the primary rigging and thought the same about that, the end result magnifies the actual effort put into it by a factor of ten :)

You know, maybe I should go back to my own Napoleonic naval figures and get some more on the painting table…you might have started something here, cpt shandy!

Prsonally if you're only thinking of ever playing small fleet actions then 1/1200th is the best option because of the enhanced look of the models. By the time you've painted and rigged a few you'll probably hav got the hang of it – The Langton Guide is really good.

Good luck !

Do what I do.

1/450 for small ship actions

1/1200 for frigate and small fleet actions

1/2400 for bigger fleet actions

You can never have too many models and scales :)

WarArtisan's 1/300 Paper ships are a nice way to get into small ship actions.

Old Glory has some nice 1/300 stuff too. Nothing beats the feel of a 1 lb miniature, if you have the room.

For impact 1-1200 scale. They are not so hard too do, if you go slowly. David said,"If they look good at arms length, they will look good on the table". I like that idea. Langton's "how to", book is a must, and look at my guide on Vol's threads here.
For space and painting 1-2400 scale. I play around 12 ships a side at 1-1200, but will be going for 1-2400 for bigger battles.
Good luck! no matter the scale.
I think the scale picks you, not you the scale.
As for rules! pick one you like, We all have the one's we love. Most rules do both scales.
Be safe
Rory

Have a look at the Sails of Glory model game. Might give you what you want without needing much artistic input from yourself.

1/600 scale for me. you get great detail.

I gamed for years with 1/2400 scale for a number of years, but they are just to small.

You can never have too many models and scales :)

Wise words – we'll make a land wargamer of that man yet

Thanks for the encouraging input, I think I'll have a go at the Langton 1/1200 models!

Good luck! Personally I think you've made the right decision!

I don't bother rigging or setting ratlines on mine by the way – Was too browned off after my fleet got crushed on the move to Aus to start over so have done them without, and they look fine to my eye. And frankly cotton thread is out of scale anyway!

The Spaniards are my 1200 Langtons, not sure about the Brit…

Do be sure and order the Langon bases btw, none better!

Totally second the Langton bases, they are easy to paint and get a good look and it saves handling the ship itself for the most part.