"Neil Thomas 19th century rules" Topic

I wonder if anyone has ever tried the rules from this book for ACW? Seems tempting.

I haven't tried but I have thought about it.
You have rules for close order infantry armed with muskets or rifled muskets. Rules for skirmishers and smoothbore and rifled artillery.

All cavalry should be rated as dragoons under the rules.

Infantry should be allowed to maneuver in line.

The only real change I would make is to make it more difficult for infantry to charge. They should take a test to see if they will and if they fail must stand and fire. I would make it more difficult for experienced troops to charge and easier for green troops to charge.

I would make each unit a brigade. It should provide a simple, quick playing enjoyable game.

Just my thoughts.

Yes, I can't really understand the part about restricting infantry in line from charging or moving?

In the face of modern/deadlier small arms fire, units became more reluctant to close with, and maneuver in the vicinity of, enemy units. Just a guess.

The idea of 'line' is that they are dispersed into a firing line to maximise firepower and minimise movement. If you want move and fire use a "column" instead.

The formations are effectively order markers for next turn, are firing or moving?

We are now looking at modifying the Neil Thomas Napoleonic rules for ACW. After more review, this seems easier and more appropriate.

Why not just use Neil Thomas' ACW rules for ACW? Is that just too much of an easy way out?