"Preferred rules for sky ships on mars" Topic

I've recently become slightly tempted by Irregular's range of flying dreadnoughts. ( link )

If I was to splash on on these I'd want to meet a few criteria in terms of rules to use with them:

1 ) Hex based, so I can use some of my Battletech maps
2 ) Generic enough so that I can add whatever models I like to the game
3 ) The right amount of detail so that 5-6 ships a side gives a good game
4 ) ideally with an option for adding ground forces ( although this is a long shot!

It seems from older posts on the subject that Aeronef and Sky Galleons of Mars were recommended. Is this still true, or is there something different that would better suit my needs?!

Thanks for your advice
Chris

Only slightly tempted bud?

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How about "A Sky full of Ships"? Good game that if I remember correctly have a DYO section.

link

Available for free on Free Wargame Rules…..

Dave

I use slightly modified Aeronef from Wessex Games.

Check out my Blog for details of the 6mm scratch-built models.

Tony
link

There's always the venerable yet still excellent Ironclads and Etherflyers, the aerial combat system of the Space: 1889 game series -- has all the attributes you list, and interfaces with the Soldiers Companion ground combat rules:

link

I prefer Aeronef for its simplicity. It can be interfaced with Brigade Models Land Ironclads for simple but fun ground warfare. Another option is Cloudships and gunboats if you want larger ships on which you can place miniature soldiers and conduct boarding actions.

Keep your eyes open on eBay for a fellow selling Space 1889 etherflyer models. Bothe the Aeronef models and these are 1/1200 and are slightly smaller than Brigade's Aeronef but very nice. Both the aeronefs and Space 1889 models fit with Irregular's line.

auction

auction

Thanks! I've just bought PDFs of I&E and SGoM.

Would be nice if you could include blocks of troops as well, but I guess you can't have anything. I had a look at the Soldier's Companion and it doesn't look to cover 2mm or 6mm.

I had a look at the Soldier's Companion and it doesn't look to cover 2mm or 6mm.

Frank Chadwick did a rework for 15mm (Mars Needs Steam, I think). I read a lot about it, but not sure if it translates to the type of gaming I'm assuming you seek.

I know I've seen others talking about VSF in 6mm, but you should start another post asking for same.

As far as troops-to-skyships, let us know how you do. Played a bit with that in 28mm, but never felt really satisfied.

Doug

Edit: *head-hits-hand* Both GASLIGHT Compendium and When the Navy Walk book set have ship battles as part. Do feel a bit added on, but still use some original rule mechanics.

I've not diddled much, but there may be some ideas for you to at least have a glance.

Thanks Doug! What would be 'ideal' would be a hex based system. A bit like how BattleTech developed from just mechs to include infantry and other vehicles. But it isn't essential. After all, I'm just getting caught up in the idea. Should concentrate on the airships first!

I recomend the Space:1889 series of books/rules. Each book: I&E, SGoM, Cloudships&Sky Galle0ns, Soldiers Companion use the rules and ship building slightly differently. Best bet is to peruse all, select the systems that work for you and download every one's variants, additions etc.

Then use what works for you.

I use fewer rules for mass actions and detailed rules for role-playing. My players liked it.

Good luck and don't forget…no, always remember…

The GASLIGHT Compendium has rules for aerial fleet actions for aether flyers and the like -- plus you get all the other GASLIGHT rules for ground skirmishes and battles.

Buck Surdu
(one of the authors)

I started working on such a rules set. I wanted at least altitude bands. From there I was going to add in ground troops so you could ultimately do an air mobile type battle…been on the back burner for a while though…

What would be 'ideal' would be a hex based system.

Okay, so SGoM is most direct. Simple spaceship games with some home grown adaptations would require more work, but might be more satisfying and generically adaptable.

I own a copy of, but am not a huge fan of, Leviathans. For one thing, it's more post VSF, but the ships are pretty, and it's VERY hex-based.

Weirdly in this world, I like my ships running free, and my groppos in hexes. I'm a pariah.

Oh, and no recommendation either, but Spartan's Dystopian Wars started as Naval/Aero, and then added tiny land-based battles.

I wanted at least altitude bands.

Extra Crispy, have you seen David Manley's additions to Aeronef? He had two pages, one for adding naval, and another that included altitude bands.

The original pages have gone, but a) I THINK you can still find them on the SFSFW website, b) I posted links, on TMP, to the pages on the Wayback, but don't have them handy at the moment.

Doug

When the Navy Walked works for 6mm. I use three figures per base, essentially representing a company per base.

Not hex-based, but that's an easy conversion.

Full disclosure: I edited the basic rules, and helped write the aerial rules. I no longer have any financial connection to the game.

Thanks, I've just downloaded the free version of WTNW and will add it to my reading pile!