On to Spain, Part 2

 In my last post, I showed you some of the Bourbon Spanish forces that will be used in my current campaign. The rules are titled About Bonaparte by Dirk Donvil. However, I noted in the previous post's opening that it has been my experience that no set of rules survives first contact with gamer. Let me state though that I like the mechanics of the rules and the results (so far) seem to be consistent with many other sets that are used for this period. Most of the changes I've incorporated are primarily aesthetic. So let's take a look.

I don't like square bases! I have been gaming with toy soldiers most of my life, and in an organized way (i.e. using written rules) for more than sixty years. From my earliest excursions, bases have been mostly rectangular. Dirk's rules use a 55mm x 55mm base for 2 infantry figures, which also allows for some creative landscaping. Four bases constitute a unit ( 8 figures). The rules allow for different basing, so mine are 3in x 1.5in, with three figures (12 per unit). It takes up more room, but I think it looks better. Light Infantry are mounted on the same size base but with two figures. Likewise, instead of splitting a base or removing a figure for casualties (and skirmishing), I just use a plastic ring to indicate it. 

The cavalry in AB are on individual bases 55mm x 110mm, and since I hate rebasing, I've let that alone. Artillery on the other hands is supposed to be on a 110mm x 110mm base with 3-5 gunners. I've left the gun un-based and the gunners on 1.25" fender washers. I think it looks good, and appears to have no significant impact on the rules play. Below are some photos of the French.

Artillery on the march!

French Line and Chasseurs à Cheval

In these photos, you can see the general deployment of  the troops.  

French Lights skirmishing

A Swiss Battalion in French Service