Ever since I began my
latest kick, I've been researching rules and miniatures/counters. Here is a rundown of my meandering thought process.
What Period?
This is the first question I grappled with. The Dawlish novel I'm reading is set in the Russo-Turkish War of 1877-78. This seems to be on the cusp between "ironclads" and "pre-dreadnoughts."
When I researched "ironclads," I kept finding American Civil War stuff. Not really interested in that. Being an Austrophile, I toyed with the idea of doing Lissa. I even picked up David Manley's
Broadside & Ram in my researches. However, pictures of the ships (including
this beautiful game) revealed too many sails and masts for my liking.
Another issue is that I want to standardize things with smattering of ship classes. Ironclads just seem to have a widely diverse array of ship types.
I also was drawn to smaller actions, like those in the book. This led me to look into World War 2 coastal actions. I gave a look at Manley's
Narrow Seas. However, I don't want to fiddle around with aircraft so I quickly drifted away from WW2.
As a result of these meanderings, I found myself drawn to pre-dreadnoughts.
What Rules?
Next up is finding rules. Actually, it's more of a case of finding rules to use as a model for writing my own. Nowadays, I try to mold everything into my MicroBattle framework. Those rules just work well for me!
Poking around has led me to a few sets that seem helpful.
I even considered sci-fi rules, which often tend to be WW2 in space. I gave
Castles in the Sky a look. Ironically, this led me to an
old set that I created! Interestingly, I gamed this on an 8 x 6 grid. Just the perfect size! I think I need to play around with these rules a bit!
Note: I remember initially using range bands for these old rules, a la Pz8.
What Figures?
Well, the rules search is shaping up. I just need some mins to test rules ideas.
How about counters? Most counter sets are for specific ships and I just want generic ones. This leads me to making my own. I just need some models for inspiration. While researching, I came across
Bob Cordery's fleet. Just what I want!
Just when I thought I knew which path to take, my wife threw a curveball at me. She gave me a 3D printer for my birthday. Once I figure out how to use it, I can print my own miniatures!
Scenarios
I'm still leaning toward small-ship actions, so expect torpedo boats, destroyers, and maybe a cruiser rather than battleships!
I'm also leaning towards a fictional Austro-Italian War in the 1890s.
Anyway, that's where the project stands right now!