Base sizes

[ochoin]

I am looking at re-basing my large Napoleonic armies for ‘General d’Armee’.

I currently use 4 figs on 60 X 20 bases for line infantry. In line formation, we stipulate a unit must be 2 bases wide. I want to change this. Firstly, for aesthetic reasons, a 40 x 40 base, holding 4 infantry figures is superior in appearance– and far more stable – than the current bases. A line 40 x 40 base is fine for linear & one behind the other, good for columns. Squares may not be hollow but so what?

There are some implications. Centre companies & command should be in multiples of 4. This means I will collapse some units (& discard figures even) to achieve “full” bases….but would it matter if I had the odd base with 3 figures on it? I have also acquired a number of 20 x 30 bases for the flank companies & for skirmish elements. 2 figs per base.

As rule sets often say, as long as both sides are based the same, you are fine. It may take a year, but all my Nap. armies will eventually end up based this way.
But what is the impact, I hear you say, if my Partners in Crime keep the old basing & their armies meet mine? Negligible, I say, because Gd’A is quite loose in its unit sizes anyway. In Gd'A, infantry units are Large (17-20 figs), Standard (12-16) & Small (<12 figs). Thus, small overlaps and slightly different arcs of fire are seen as irrelevant.

I think I may also do something to the cavalry down the track . This is a big project. So if my heavies, in column of bases (40 x 40 with 2 figures) charges a pal's Heavies in column (old basing - 60 x 40 with 3 figures), it’s just adjudicated as 2 equal columns in melee. Or I may only use the 40 x 40 bases (2 figs per) for light cavalry.

Comments?

donald

[BaronVonWreckedoften]

OK, just so long as you're not going to film it and then expect us to watch.

Because we already have Essex Boy for that.

[ochoin]

Amusing observation.
Televised re-basing would only just trump golf & TV cooking shows for sheer boredom.

donald

[Willz the Wargamer]

Amusing observation.
Televised re-basing would only just trump golf & TV cooking shows for sheer boredom.

donald

Not if you run it as "Help I am a celebrity let me rebase your armies" have some top female and male eye candy and you're on a winner .


Willz.

[Willz the Wargamer]

I base my 20mm and 28mm armies on 40 x 40mm bases 4 infantry and 50 x 50mm bases with 2 cavalry.
Mainly as they stow in really useful boxes with maximum efficiency.


Willz.

[ochoin]

My SYW & our ACW are on similar bases. The current Nap basing is just the old WRG-norm. Time for it to go.

I appreciate your Televised re-basing pitch but even the general public aren't that stupi.....actually, it might work.

donald

[Ilkley Old School]

My classic 20mm Napoleonics are based on 25 by 30mm with 4 infantry and 30 by 30mm with 2 cavalry.

[Penda]

40x50mm is my preferred infantry base nowadays, it provides added protection to muskets, bayonets swords etc. I base from back rank as tightly as I can to leave free space in front. Figures on a base are representative, mostly I have four, but some 3s and 5s.Cavalry are 50x50 with 2 figures.

[ochoin]

, it provides added protection to muskets, bayonets swords etc.

Exactly.

donald

[Jamanicus]

Will the rebasing change the composition of your units, their sizes and the aesthetic of the standards and command in relation to the centre??

Could you not simply add 'ferrous' sheeting you the bases and use magnetised movement trays?? That'd solve the balance issues and is really useful for storage and transport