Napoleonic naval warfare, rules?

[david1234]

Hi, just wondering if anyone could recommend a set of rules for playing 17th - 19th century naval warfare with sailing vessels? I use 1/2000 scale models. Thanks.

[Cubster]

Warhammer Historical may have their 1/2 price sale still on for their 'Trafalgar' rules. I don't know anything about them other than the name, so I can't give you a recommendation.

[grant]

I am a huge fan of the Trafalgar rules, I've had mine since they came out. Even got them signed.

The rules are exceptionally well thought out, and play fast enough to get a game in a couple of hours. You don't need many models, and the game can handle a fair number of ships.

3rd rate ships of the line are the core unit; smaller ships, especially anything smaller than a frigate, won't do much gun-wise, but are handy for scenarios. Frigates are best when squadroned, and are tough enough to hold their own. First rate ships such as a 120 gun are frankly terrifying!

I am currently working on a coastal harbour/village from Langton models. All of my ships are GHQ Models, they are superbly cast and exceptionally crisp. Langton offers more for sail options, though.

Good luck!

[Big Al]

If you can wait, Ares Games will be releasing a boxed game during 2012, around summertime. It will be based on their Wings of War WW1/2 aerial combat game (now calld Wings of Glory) and will be called Sails of Glory. In case you haven't seen these games, they are fairly simple, cards to plot movement. That doesn't mean that it is a simple game, just easy to pick up and play. They use miniatures and the company will be releasing painted ships to go with it. These will be 1/1200 scale.

Alternatively, take a look at Wessex Games rules.

[grant]

The thing that makes Trafalgar so nice is the wind mechanic. Realistic enough, creates a veritable challenge.

I would be curious to know how the Wing of War variant deals with it. The aircraft games are just stellar - I have the whole collection! So looking toward to the boxed game for naval. Even if I keep using Trafalgar.

[Big Al]

I would be curious to know how the Wing of War variant deals with it. The aircraft games are just stellar - I have the whole collection! So looking toward to the boxed game for naval.

I agree. I'm also looking forward to seeing the pre painted ships and how much they'll sell for!

[zedeyejoe]

I am a great fan of Fighting Sail rules
boardgamegeek.com/filepage/68645/st86-fighting-sail-rules-pdf

[grant]

I am a great fan of Fighting Sail rules
boardgamegeek.com/filepage/68645/st86-fighting-sail-rules-pdf

Interesting. Old set, 1981, so out of print? A 6.56 rating on BGG; Trafalgar warrants a 6.97 but I bet the GW h8torz are part of that.

[zedeyejoe]

Well free to try, so thats got to be a plus. It also what do you want out of a set of rules, single ship actions or fleet actions?

[grant]

Well free to try, so thats got to be a plus. It also what do you want out of a set of rules, single ship actions or fleet actions?

Well, so far we have played with around 5-7 ships in a game, but could likely start expanding over the next few games.