"looking to start Muskets and Tomohawks" Topic

Hey all,

so im looking to get into M&T, thing is i dont have the rules as yet so am not sure where to start. i was looking to order some infantry and the rules at the same time

so my question is. would a box of the Perry AWI British infantry work to get started? my thoughts were that i could make 2 units of regulars and maybe 1 unit of light infantry plus an officer.

would this work or is there a better way to start?

my preference is for plastic over metal minis

thanks in Advance
Bryan

I assume you are doing AWI as opposed to F&IW? I suggest getting the rules, cards, and FI&W/AWI supplement first.It will tell you the points value of each type of unit so you can balance your forces to get an even sided game, as well as scenarios to match them with. Then you will have a better idea what you would want to get.

Not much in plastic for FI&W other than Woodland Indians. There is AWI militia that may sub as F&IW settlers.

Why not metal? If cost is a concern realize units are small. A few figures and you have a good game.

So get M&T2 rulebook.
Get AWI/FIW supplement.
Make army list. Then shop!

The box of AWI British would work for the regulars and for an officer but I don't think it has light infantry in it. LI had a different uniform with little pipping over the shoulders. (I'm sure it's called something but I forget). I guess you can stick some in a different hat and call those the lights.
I think M&T2 tops out at about 50 figures per side.
good luck!

I started with M&T 1st edition and so far have not upgraded to 2nd ed. 1st ed. gives a very good structure to wargaming AWI/FIW that I will probably not buy the 2nd ed.

As dantheman asks "why not metal?". I second that. I have a number of plastic units and they do not physically hold up well in a gaming environment. Maybe I have some ham-handed friends because most of my plastic's are broken in some way. I would not suggest buying plastics.

I am replacing all my plastics with metal. No more plastics for me.

Welcome aboard. We live in the golden age of AWI miniatures and rulesets availability. There are so many great contributors to our hobby.

@huron725.

I have been having this discussion about plastic figures with some of my clubmates. They are fans, I am not. Putting them together is a pain, they get damaged easily when playing a game and they get knocked over too easily. They argue there is more detail and they are easier to paint. I am sticking with metals.

Forgive my ignorance as I'm really new to the period. But I thought they were at roughly the same time?

I'm only just starting out as some of the guys I game with are starting out.

As to metal v plastic it mostly comes down to postage costs to Australia. I can easily get plastics locally. Metals not so much and postage from the us or Europe has become a bit of a joke.

I just want to dip my toes and see if I like the ruled first then splash out.

Fair enough concern. If you want to stick with plastic you need to stay with AWI, as little is available other than metal for F&IW. Uniforms were VERY different even though the conflicts were just over 10 years apart.

I still recommend first buying the 2nd generation rules, cards, and supplement covering the F&IW and the AWI. Then pick forces based on battle size you want and unit values.

Both the Perry's and Warlord have AWI plastic. From those two companies you can make units of Militia (warlord), British regulars, British light and grenadiers (Warlord), Hessian grenadier, fusilier, regular (warlord), native Americans, and Continentals.

You can also get artillery, but guns are not recommended for skirmish. I do use 3 pounders on occasion, but not often.

There is no plastic cavalry, but early Peninsular British Light Dragoons from Perry may be convertible. Never tried it though.

I live in Eastern US, and my county saw constant skirmishing as armies looked for forage. Fights involved militia and regular infantry per above and should provide enough for an endless set of games.

In Australia I would hope Warlord and Perry have suppliers even if on the other side of the world.

@ Steamingdave2

I totally forgot what a pain in the A$# plastics are to assemble.

@huron725 which is why my Perry plastics have been sitting unassembled for like 2 years