GHQ ACW Micro Force rules?

[10mmACW]

Just got my copy today, 23 pages of rules and 11 scenarios. Haven't played a game yet.
Will let you know more after I read them and try a game.

[10mmACW]

I also use the GHQ 10's and would start with a brigade per side(a brigade is 4 to 5 regts in these rules look like 4 to 5 stands) . I usually like to mix my kepi and hat figs (either union or reb) also perfer the firing pose. But about four packs each union and reb. then later add some artillery (1 gun model is 1 section)

[paul]

How many figs per stand and if I read you correct 4-5 stands per regiment. Does the rules seem to be closer to JR or FF?

[10mmACW]

Looks closer to JR. At the most it looks like you could comand a divison.

[dnichols]

It is recommended that there be 8 figures per stand in the rules. It is however not mandatory. The number of figures on the stand is not critical to game plan as casualties are by 1/2 and full stands. So the bottom line is that you could use any number of figures on your stands.

My own regiments do not all have 8 figures per stand as I vary the numbers of figures to give a more realistic apperance on the table.

[10mmACW]

Just a quick question for Daryl, Whats the Artillery basing, my copy of the rules says 1" x 4.25" (same as for limbers) is this correct? Or is it same as cav (1" square)?

[jwhalen]

Just a quick question for Daryl, Whats the Artillery basing, my copy of the rules says 1" x 4.25" (same as for limbers) is this correct? Or is it same as cav (1" square)?

I came with the same question. For what it's worth I think the 4.25" for Art secs is a typo... the pics in the back of the book show all the artillery on what seem to be mostly 1x1 stands (there is also a 1x1.5 stand on p62). The Caisson trains seem to be the long ones... Based on the pictoral evidence and my personal taste I plan on basing all artillery on 1x1 and leaving the last 1" of the Caisson train empty.

[jwhalen]

What about a good starting collection of minis? I will only use GHQ, what would your recommendation for initial forces be?

Here is what I picked up. I will have to go back and get 4-5 more packs of infantry for both sides. I chose Advancing infantry because it seemed like the best compromise. I am not sure how useful the stands will be.. I am thinking about snipping the 5th slot, not really sure yet... Also.. the fences are nice but in retrospect I should have spent that money on more infantry.

1 Micro Force®: The Game - American Civil War MG6 $19.95
1 2 Light Field Guns w/ 12 Man Crew (USA) ACW7 $6.95
1 2 Light Field Guns w/ 12 Man Crew (CSA) ACW8 $6.95
1 Advancing in Sack Coat & Forage Cap (USA) ACW1 $6.95
1 Advancing in Shell Jacket & Forage Cap (CSA) ACW3 $6.95
1 Federal Infantry Command ACW5 $6.95
1 Confederate Infantry Command ACW6 $6.95
1 Federal Mounted Cavalry ACW14 $6.95
1 Federal Mounted Cavalry ACW14 $6.95
1 Confederate Mounted Cavalry ACW15 $6.95
1 Confederate Mounted Cavalry ACW15 $6.95
1 Casualties & Tabletop Markers ACW50 $6.95
1 Metal Stands ACW13 $6.95
1 Metal Stands ACW13 $6.95
1 Post & Rail Fences ACW51 $6.95
1 Stone Fences ACW11 $6.95
1 Stone Fences ACW11 $6.95
1 2 Medium Field Guns w/ 12 Man Crew (USA) ACW9 $6.95
1 2 Medium Field Guns w/ 12 Man Crew (CSA) ACW10 $6.95
1 2 Heavy Field Guns w/ 12 Man Crew (USA) ACW31 $6.95
1 2 Heavy Field Guns w/ 12 Man Crew (CSA) ACW32 $6.95

Total 158.95 +4.95S&H

[dnichols]

In reference to the base size for the artillery stands. It is not a typo. 1" x 4.25" is the correct size. I was a little concerned that this base size would raise some eyebrows, it did during playtesting as it was so different from other rule systems. So here is the explanation.

The area that a gun and crew actually occupy on the battlefield is about 1" by 1" or 25 square yards. What that 1" by 1" stand does not represent is the remainder of the crew and equipment for that section.

The limbers with the ammunition was kept a safe distance (about 50yds) from the gun along with two crew members that prepared the ammunition and cut fuzes. Another crew member ran the rounds to the gun about 50 yds distant. So from the area that the limber/ammunition chest occupied, about 25 square yards, the distance to the guns from the ammunition you have a total of about 100 yds of real estate. There were also 6 horses per gun that were often in the same area.

The stands for the artillery reflects the actual terrain occupied by the 2 guns, crew, limbers and horses for the section. You could not march another unit through this area without disrupting the battery.

With the help of a re-enactment unit I paced off the distances of thier guns and limbers and it came out to a little over 100yds. I was actually a little surprised by the final results.

It does however make creating some really nice looking artillery stands easy, as you can add the extra crew, limbers etc.

Does that help clear things up a bit?

[jwhalen]

Thanks for the clarification . But I am still a little confused. Given the scale of the scenarios in the back of the book and the amount of artillery present, how in the world can you concentrate the artillery sufficiently to fit within the rough dimensions of the assigned deployment areas? In scenario 11.6 the CSA fields 8 stands of artillery yet the line of deployment appears to be roughly 200yrds (8.5"). I find it hard to believe that the artillery could be ranked as I don't believe that cannon were fired on high enough trajectories (and I don't recall seeing it in any movies )

BTW thanks for the rule set Mr. Nichols!

[dnichols]

Jwhalen, the artillery stands have a width of 1" and a depth of 4.25". Which means the 8 stands of Confederate artillery you reference in scenario 11.6 would have a frontage of 8", 1" for each stand and a depth of 4.25". A good size piece of real estate on the tabletop battlefield but consistent with historical deployments.

Does that help clear up your question?

I would like to thank you by the way for the visual of ranked artillery. That was a good one.

[jwhalen]

Thanks dnichols. I think that clears it up.

Is that how the two part artillery stands were being used in several of the pictures at the back of the manual? The Artillery piece representing two guns on a single 1x1 stand with the transport directly behind it on a 4.25" stand with the final inch left open to receive the artillery stand for movement posture.

[10mmACW]

The two part art. stand sounds like a good idea. (and more cost effective)