"Rules suitability quesiton" Topic

Are there any rules that would be fitting for Naval battles of what I think is called the "Ironclad" (late) period extended to about 1890? I like the varying/odd ship designs of the era. Looking at small engagements of 3-6 units per side.
Any suggestions would be appreciated.
Thanks!

Ironclads and Ether Flyers from GDW.

My "Fire When Ready" rules from A&A Game Engineering were written for this period

I second "Ironclads and Ether Flyers"

I just asked this same basic question earlier this year.

You can also adapt David Manley's ironclad era rules Iron & Fire. I've looked at both this and Fire When Ready and decided Iron & Fire was a better choice for the ships designed in the 1870-1885 period (which covers most of what was in service until the late 1890s), but your choice depends on what aspects of the period you consider more appropriate.

Fire When Ready is probably better for bigger fleet battles with pre-pre-dreadnoughts, because the mechanics include a lot more attention to C3 issues. With smaller battles like you describe, I think Iron & Fire is probably a better choice, since the mechanics better reflect period concerns like ramming, wooden ships, experimental armor schemes, etc. Either way, you're going to have to do some work to add unusual weapons and vessel characteristics to the rules mechanics.

- Ix

I've never seen Ironclads and Ether Flyers, but I just discovered it's pretty cheap on Amazon, so I ordered a copy.

- Ix

I haven't seen Ironclads and ether Flyers, but I will definitely vouch for David Manley's rules. The best ironclad rules there are.

I've disagreed with Our Dear Leader about the cut off of the Ironclad period, considering that in the transitions starts in about 1880 but it's nor as clear cut as some.

As to rules Iron & Fire would work, but I would consider Fire When Ready to be the best choice.

Ironclads and Ether Flyers is in my opinion is rather too simplistic, but then I'm a bit of a "rivet counter."