(1) Chassepot vs. Dreyse vs. Podewil: The Chassepot with a 1,200m range, and the Dreyse with only 600m, I've listed the Chassepot as a Modern Rifle (12/24"), and the Dreyse as Obsolete Rifle (9/18'). However at this low troop scale, it could be argued that the table top engagements with these rules would put them inside the Chassepot's distance advantage – if you prefer, then list both weapons as Modern Rifles, and dispense with this issue altogether. The Bavarian Podewils rifle, was breechloading but used percussion caps, making it slower to reload, as well as being of a poor design, I've rated it as a Muzzle Loader (or if you list both above as Modern, then make this Obsolete). To give Regular Infantry Muzzle Loaders (6"/12") grade it as a -2 pts cost perhaps.
(2) Artillery: The Prussian Krupp 4pdr out ranging the French 4 pdr by about +30%; and while this made a huge advantage on a big battlefield, I feel this may be quite negated by the small battles in these rules. If this idea holds, then both sides can use Field Guns as normal. However, the Prussian advantage in artillery range, is one of the biggest technical characteristics of the war -hence games with equal ranged artillery may not "feel" right. A possible fix, would be to rate the French as "Obsolete Artillery" (vs the Prussian "Modern Artillery"), for perhaps -1 pt, and reduce their range by perhaps 6" or maybe 10" (30" or 26", vs 36") – but then the French artillery barely outranges Rifle fire, and that doesn't feel right either. An alternative fix, keep the French artillery as 36", and increase the Prussian artillery range – but this starts to feel like a serious deviation from the rules.
(3) How best to represent the French Garde Mobile, Garde Sedentaire, etc. ? Option A: All-round, lowest quality, Irregulars (Discipline -1, Fight 6, Shoot 6) ? Option B: Poor Irregulars that can Shoot (Discipline -1, Fight 6, Shoot 5) ? Option C: Poor Regulars, and so can form Close Order but with extra low Discipline (Discipline -1, Fight 5, Shoot 5) ? [this last option would require a new grade of Discipline for Regulars, Very Unenthusiastic for perhaps -2 pts] The Garde Mobile Cavalry might best be defined similarly, as Very Unenthusiastic Regular cavalry (Discipline -1). I'd also grade the Saxon Line Infantry, as Very Unenthusiastic (Discipline -1), for the -2 pts modifier.
(4) How to represent Landwehr Units ? Should they be the equivalent of Wuttemburg/Baden Line Infantry ? or as Saxon Line Infantry ?
(5) How to represent French Spahis and Chasseurs d'Afrique ? As compared to Hussars/Light Cavalry, should they have a Optional upgrade ? Motivated perhaps ? or a variant of Kilted perhaps ? or even a cavalry variant of Light Footed ?
(6) French Lancers, Cuirassiers, Guard Cuirassier & Guard Carabiniers: lancers used a Lance, the others used a Sword, but none used a firearm (other than pistols). I rate these as Lancers/Guards for the 2d dice when attacking modifier, but give them no range for shooting, for perhaps -2 pts. Both side's Cuirassiers gain the Cuirassier optional rule. French Dragoons occasionally fought dismounted, but this is probably determined by scenario, and not choice. Prussian Uhlans & Cuirassiers, also gain the lance/Guard ability, and use no firearms
(7) Light Infantry: I've graded the following units, as having the optional rule Light Infantry: French Chasseurs, Zouaves, Zephyrs, Tirailleurs, as well as Prussian Jagers. It could also be applied to the French Foreign Legion I suppose, as well as a few others – however i think the Motivated optional rules suits the Legion better.
(8) Free Actions: Perhaps Light Infantry should have their Free Action changed to Skirmish (instead of Fire), and all Cavalry to Move (instead of Attack). I haven't tried either of these possible changes, so I can't judge their impact yet.
looks at a fast-assembly naval kit for the Age of Sail.
