"Rules for smaller actions?" Topic

I really want to start some models for the 1860-1871 wars in Europe. I play in big games all the time and I would rather play some brigade sized games where a player will control a brigade of so many battalions or a battery or a cavalry brigade. Can anyone recommend any rules at this level?

FM

Perhaps you could use "Regimental Fire & Fury"? You might need to add a few new formations and weapons (although it does already include breechloading blackpowder rifles), but the basic engine should be able to handle everything the 19th century has to offer.

Troop scale is one stand to 40 men, 1 inch to 25 yards. A couple of battalions and a battery is a perfect sized force for one player.

RE Regimental F&F. Try going on the forum and asking if the playtest QRS can be shared. Rich has hosted several playtest games with his Franco Prussian variant. Thye were fun and quite different.

Discussion about this topic here: TMP link

The original question was about the FPW, but the rules suggested cover the era.

FWIW, I also muse about playing this period at brigade-per-player scale occasionally, and I also usually think of RF&F first. I just like that system.

Recently I've started to think that Battles for Empire might be a better starting point. It's a less sophisticated game, and it would take a whole bunch of house rules to add the right C3 system, but it seems to play faster. BFE is a colonial 5actical battle set, so covers many of the weapons and 19th C tactical concerns already, though I'd probably want to play around with it to get the Chassepot and mitrailleuse to feel correct.

I hope Rich brings the FPW variant of RF&F to Historicon this year. I'd like to try that.

Wargaming 19th Century Europe 1815-1878 by Neil Thomas