| Elwood52 | 17 Dec 2025 12:55 p.m. PST |
I'm just starting an American Colonial army and wondering what is the preferred basing scheme. I've seen regulars based 4 figs, 6 figs and even 8 figs in two ranks. Any thoughts on this? Also, what rules systems do you recommend for larger battles, as I'm not into skirmishes. |
robert piepenbrink  | 17 Dec 2025 2:34 p.m. PST |
What's your scale? I do individual basing in 1/72 and about 24 formed infantry per base in 6mm. Generally, I'd say base individually and use movement trays or sabots until you find either a group to play with or a set of rules you're happy with. |
| 79thPA | 17 Dec 2025 2:50 p.m. PST |
Scale? Rules? I don't think there is a preferred basing scheme. There are a lot of variables at play. |
 John the OFM | 17 Dec 2025 2:57 p.m. PST |
I was basing all my figures on 3/4" OF washers. But it got out of hand.
Now, I base them on 2" x 1-1/2" MDF bases.
I settled in this because I could just glue the washer based figures there.
Interestingly, you get the appearance of double ranks, with 2 up front and one back.
The more units you amass, the more inconvenient individual figures become. As long as both sides have the same basing convention, you won't have any problems. Just adjust the tables, and smite the Hessian foe! |
| John the OFM | 17 Dec 2025 2:58 p.m. PST |
In other words, make the rules work for YOU. Not the other way around. |
| FusilierDan | 17 Dec 2025 4:45 p.m. PST |
My 28mm figures are about a 50/50 mix of singly based on 3/4" washers and 3/4" square metal bases and six figures on a 60mm x 40mm metal base. All Cavalry are on 50mm ovals and the Artillery are individually based. I have sabot bases for the single figures. The OFM is correct about individual figures being a nuisance when fighting a large battle. I won't unbase my grouped figures but will base any new figures singly and use sabots. As for rules, I use A Gentleman's War
link
and have used and liked,
Fife & Drum rules for AWI wargaming
link
have but never played only used the scenario books
BRITISH GRENADIER: American Revolution Rules
link There's a lot of rules out there. Like Robert said find a group if you can and see what they play if not get a few and try them out. |
| John the OFM | 17 Dec 2025 5:57 p.m. PST |
Yeah. British Grenadier is a set of fiddly rules not my cup of tea at all, but the scenario books are golden. 👍 |
| Sydney Gamer | 17 Dec 2025 6:15 p.m. PST |
Agree with John re British Grenadier. |
| Frederick | 18 Dec 2025 1:14 a.m. PST |
28mm, four figs on a 40 X 40 mm base That is because we pretty much always play Grand Tactical We use either Black Powder or Valor and Fortitude rules For skirmish French & Indian war we use either round (irregular) of square (regular) 20mm bases |
| Dave Crowell | 18 Dec 2025 8:30 a.m. PST |
Are you planning to play solo? Provide both sides? Play in a local group? Or travel widely for games with strangers? For the first three, pick a basing scheme that you enjoy. One that looks right on the table and works for the rules you are using. It need not be the "official size and weight." Over the years I have found that basing matters a lot less than rules writers would have you believe. As long as both players are gentlemanly about it one can work out what is what is "supposed" to be what on the table. I am still on the hunt for the perfect scale and rules for this. |
| Elwood52 | 18 Dec 2025 10:10 a.m. PST |
I use 15mm Old Glory figs for Napoleonics and I do like the Dave Brown rules for those. I am leaning toward the British Grenadier scenario books. Is the basing scheme the same as General de Brigade? I'm trying for a slightly different look because of the militias and such. Having six figs packed on to a single base seems a bit much. I have a couple of groups to game with, but I do nearly all the painting, so whatever I decide on, they are good with. |
| CAPTAIN BEEFHEART | 18 Dec 2025 11:10 a.m. PST |
It depends on the rules and what your units are capable of formation-wise. 1 Regt. per base can't for a square unless you would be willing to use a 'square' marker next to it. If you want to physically depict a square, then perhaps a
Regiment can be composed of 4 bases. The same applies to a march formation or whatever else you wish to depict on your tabletop. I hope you find a happy compromise for your basing scheme, whatever choices you make. |
| DeRuyter | 18 Dec 2025 11:48 a.m. PST |
For 15mm I use 40x30mm bases with 8 figs in 2 ranks. This works for General d Army, LaSalle other battalion level systems. You can use 3 or 4 bases for a unit. I think that would work for AWI. You can use this basing with the Warlord Epic scale figures as well. Black Powder is a fun beer and pretzel type of system that I believe has a supplement for AWI/F&I. Another good set is Regimental Fire & Fury which adapts well for AWI. My AWI is in 28mm based on 20mm rounds in sabot bases holding 8 figures. It is for Sharp Practice which is more skirmish level but my basing allows for grad tactical battles as well. |
 Old Contemptible | 18 Dec 2025 9:45 p.m. PST |
It depends on the rules your using. Pick out your rules before you buy, base or paint figures. |
| huron725 | 19 Dec 2025 5:37 a.m. PST |
I started out using individually mounted miniatures on movement trays. Over the years I have come to seriously dislike movement trays because they catch on the fabric or topple over when you pick up the tray. Also, the movement trays take up way to much area on the game table, IMO. For reference I only game in 28mm. Dave Crowell +1. "…Over the years I have found that basing matters a lot less than rules writers would have you believe. As long as both players are gentlemanly about it one can work out what is what is "supposed" to be what on the table…" I now use 4 miniatures per base and lately 8 mounted bases. Much easier and quicker to move these bases around. I use red O-rings over the top of the miniature to show casualties. Rulesets: either Muskets and Tomahawks V1 or Sharp Practice V2 are my go-to for larger than skirmish games. I like the card draw turn randomness. |
paints brigs for the British fleet.