"28mm S-A War skirmish rules" Topic

Hello folks,

I'm looking to start a new project, and the Spanish American War has really captured my imagination.

I'm very taken by the figures by 1898 Miniaturas, and also Tiger Miniatures (which, whilst lacking in detail compared to 1898, make up for this in terms of pricing).

I was hoping you might be able to suggest some rules suitable for mid-large scale skirmishes. That is to say, 20-40 miniatures per side, based individually, with maybe one or two MGs/field guns per side.

Faster-playing rules, with simple mechanics, would be my overwhelming preference.

If and when my collection grows, I will doubtless move on to larger scale games.

You might start with one of the Two Hour Wargames titles. They are great games and you can play with as few as 10 figures a side. Innovative mechanics, but quick and challenging to play. My favorite brand of small unit skirmish games.

Once you have a couple dozen figures a side, you could do worse than to look at the very popular The Sword and the Flame. It uses d20 but is well known and accessible.

I would second TSATF for rules to start.

I'm worried by your figure selection. The 1898 are the best figures on the market for SAW. That said, they do not play well with the Tiger figures. Think Elves compared to Ogres.

I have some side by side shots that also include the Old Glory figures. In my collection the bulk is made up of Old Glory with a few officers and two units of Tiger figures.

Thanks VCarter – I must stress that I haven't actually bought the figures yet: and to be honest (range permitting) I tend not to mix manufacturers, to avoid differences in height/proportions.
1898 are of high quality to be sure, but my point re. Tiger was more that they seem to be a good bit cheaper.
Thanks both Extra Crispy and VCarter re. the suggestion of TSATF, I'll check it out.
Out of interest, has anyone tried using: The Men Who Would be Kings, published by Osprey?

We use them for Anglo-Zulu wars. You'd probably need 30-50 figures a side for a game in that system. Absolutely worth a look as well. Fluffy but fun.

P.S. For the larger battles, I'll plug Rampant Colonialism, which I now publish:

link

Get me an email and I can send you the side photos of 1898, Old Glory, and Tiger figures.

Sorry VCarter: alexanderjhackett-at-gmail.com

The men who would be king might work.

Hello @TheMagnificentSpud:

I use Black Powder. I created a ruleset specifically for actions in Puerto Rico and I did write up stats for Spanish and US soldiers. If you are focusing elsewhere, you would need to create the stats for those units.

The most important thing is that your units are all in skirmish order, but retain the command feature of Black Powder. I found this arrangement suitable as contemporary forces had shifted away from rank and file, but had not yet fully transitioned from the rigid command hierarchy.

By the way, the 1898 Miniaturas figures are beautiful, virtually no flash or mold lines and Javier is an awesome gentleman. Right now, I am building my forces with these figures and I think they are totally worth it.

My ruleset is available on the 1898 Miniaturas webpage in the "Wargame" section of the site. I hope this helps.
Jorge

1898 figs are the best out there for sure . I had already bought around 400 Old Glory figs and am very happy with them as they have a complete line and the price is very fair . I use The Sword And The Flame rules ,as they work well for small skirmishes , big battles and great for Conventions . Rules are a funny thing , it really comes down to what ever works best for you !

I've seen coolyorks collection and it's awesome!!!! He's run some great SAW games with The Sword And The Flame rules set. I will throw my ballot in for TSATF as well.

Available here: sergeants3.com

Cheers,
JB

Absolutely TSATF.

No one's tried the Rough Riders rules by TVAG?

link

I got a lot of Tiger Miniatures for the Americans but although there isnt anything wrong with the artwork of the castings, they have a lot of bits that stick out and can get bent. I find just casual handling bends bayonets and rifles etc.

If the Old Glory SAW range is indeed compatible with Tiger Miniatures, I think I will complete my collection with that line.

I'd go for "Men Who Would Be Kings"