Realistic rules for stagecoach and train hold ups??

[huevans]

Any set of rules out there about driving stagecoaches, losing control of the horses, axles breaking and wheels spinning off, firing from a stage, etc?

Ditto re driving and holding up trains?

Thanks.

[Golgotha]

I would also be keen on such rules...

[CapnJim]

Actually, the Fistful of Lead family of rules might do the trick for you.  They have "vehicle" rules that adapt quite well for stagecoaches.  They cover driving stuff, shooting from and at stuff, collisions and other accidents, task rolls for stuff like jumping to and from stuff, etc.  We are quite happy with them.     

[mweaver]

Excellent question!

The Deadlands (Weird West) RPG has a "chase deck" of cards coming out that are designed to go with chases - vehicular, mounted, or on foot.  But not available yet, alas.


-Michael

[Elbows]

While not exclusively in depth, I've included generic rules for stagecoaches, wagons, etc. in Shoot N' Skedaddle.

Also added some rules for attacking trains (which are moving) in a small add-on.  I don't think either are as indepth as you're looking for, but they are covered.

If you want really indepth stuff, it may be worth taking your favourite rule set and designing a specific scenario around a stagecoach chase, etc.  The problem I have is that you can shoot horses in SnS, so the easiest way to cock up an escape if shoot the horses (which then require actions to unhook them from the rigs, etc.).  A savvy player will just smoke the horses    (unless they need to get the stagecoach off the table, which then requires more work)

[terrement]

https://truewestmagazine.com/article/how-common-were-stagecoach-robberies-in-the-old-west/

https://truewestmagazine.com/article/stagecoach-holdups/

https://www.cleburnetimesreview.com/news/historian-recounts-stagecoach-holdup/article_53a980d5-2264-5254-ba58-7dc2f36f0fb4.html

http://clackamashistory.org/from-the-pages-of-history-cchs-blog/cfhs-mulino-stagecoach-robbery

Seems like the most common method was to find a place where the coach would have to slow and step out in front.  Shooting the horses generally seems not to be done, perhaps because it was bad form to do so.  One link has the coach stopped by the bandits, as per the norm, then the horses panicking and bolting and getting shot as a result - but not intended to happen.

Your own research may provide Hollywood chase examples but so far I haven't.

Train robberies to follow

[Golgotha]

Those are fantastic links Terrement - Thank you.

Sounds like I need to try Shoot n Skedaddle Elbows.

I like the suggestion of using Deadlands Mweaver, RPG games would give good ideas perhaps.

I am a fan of both the RPG and their miniatures version of the game called Railwars - https://www.drivethrurpg.com/product/56532/Deadlands-Great-Rail-Wars

I see they also have a sourcebook called derailed which has train rules - but not seen the book itself. https://www.drivethrurpg.com/product/56534/Deadlands-Great-Rail-Wars-Derailed?src=also_purchased

[Harry Faversham]

If memory serves, 'Fistful of Lead' has a set of train carriage plans, you can trace and cut out. We tickled ours up with proper seats and wotnot...
they're great for when the baddies enter the trayn, and the shootin' starts!