Return of the “Pony Wars” rules

[sjwalker51]

Ian Beck’s classic rules from the 1980’s (the blue booklet, subtitled “ B troop ain’t coming back” are being re-released by Baccus but they need pre-orders/subscriptions to get it over the line.

Baccus is producing a 6mm range to go with them but rules can be used for all figure sizes/scales.

More info here

http://ponywars.uk/

(I’m not associated with the company or the launch other than being keen to see it happen)

Simon

[Malamute]

I still have my original copy from when I bought it back in the early 1980s?

Glad to see it coming back

[Trebian]

Placed my order!

New 6mm figures from Baccus to go with it, too! https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=219324502830572

[has.been]

I still have my original copy from when I bought it back in the early 1980s?

Glad to see it coming back

Plus 1.
Great game. Used to play it in 15mm, but bought 6mm to do it at home. Found the figure
a couple of years ago, amazing how those small figures can hide in a lead mountain. Only
managed to re-unite them with the rules last year (Four decades!!!!). Looking forward to
more 6mm figures becoming available. Are they dependant on the Rules selling enough?

[sjwalker51]

Pretty sure the figures will be released even if the rules don’t achieve the target number of subscribers (they’re too nice not to be released) but better safe than sorry, so spread the word.

[OB]

A great initiative.  I got a copy of the original on ebay last year for a bargain price.  A great game.

[Inkpaduta]

My son is also named Ian Beck. He enjoyed see the rules when he was a kid.
If I recall the rules called for a large amount of figures. But, if done is 6mm that
should not be such a problem.

[Trebian]

Most wargamers should own a copy of these, even if they have no intention of playing them. The approach and ideas are still fresh and relevant.

[Arundel]

Most wargamers should own a copy of these, even if they have no intention of playing them. The approach and ideas are still fresh and relevant.

Totally agree. Surely they are one of the most groundbreaking and influential sets of rules ever.

[TWD]

They want £37,500 in advance orders before they'll go ahead?
Crikey.

[Pan Marek]

I've never played Pony Wars.  But, I've heard good things about them. 
Can anyone give me an idea as to why they are "groundbreaking", and a bit
on the mechanics?

[armchairgeneral]

The Pony Wars system was used by Peter Gilder and incorporated in his Sands of the Sudan rules which I believe are still available.

That’s where I first encountered them playing a Sudan game at Peter Gilders wargame holiday centre. A group of us were all on the same side against the Mahdists being “auto-activated” by a matrix table in the rules that dictated their behaviour. Great fun and ground breaking as I believe these were the first set of rules that had this approach.

The system is readily adaptable to many different periods and is ideal for solo wargaming. I had many an enjoyable game using them in a fantasy setting. I have recently been considering using them for a “Warg Wars” type of game using the Copplestone 10mm “ Not the LotRs” range warg riders vs Riders of  Rohan.

[AKULA]

I've never played Pony Wars.  But, I've heard good things about them. 
Can anyone give me an idea as to why they are "groundbreaking", and a bit
on the mechanics?

All the players are on the same side...the Cavalry/settlers.  The Indians etc are controlled by programmed responses.

[Cat]

Looks tempting.  I have several hundreds of 1/72 zombies and this might translate very well. 

There's no mention though if they are billing when they get the required number of subscriptions; or billing now and maybe or maybe not refunding at some future date if they fall short.

[Trebian]

They are billing now via PayPal. Pete Berry at Baccus is behind this.