28mm ACW basing question.

[Rivera]

As a total newcomer to wargaming I was hoping someone could enlighten me as to how many figures should go to a largish base?  This applies to infantry, cavalry and command figures (both mounted and on foot).  Artillery probably speaks for itself.

I'm thinking of using old Cd cases for bases and I need some rough idea of what size to cut them.

[eptingmike]

I am a total newb in this regard as well but it seems to me that one figure per 20mm square is pretty common.  Six figures per 40mm square(or 45mm by 40mm rectangle) is another convention and makes for some nice dense formations.  Obviously, differing rules may have differing requirements.  I have no idea how these measurements might equate to a true scale conversion of the typical frontages of actual formations of the time.

[Painter Jim]

Infantry 4 figures 40 mm x 40 mm base

Mounted Cav x 2 Horses and 2 Riders 50mm x 50mm base

Unlimbered Artillery 80 mm (side) 50 mm (front) base

Dismounted Cav 2 figures 40 mm x 40 mm base

This is for 28 mm Bull Run to Gettysburg rule set.

[swordman]

Infantry 4 figures 40 mm x 40 mm base

Mounted Cav x 2 Horses and 2 Riders 50mm x 50mm base

Unlimbered Artillery 80 mm (side) 50 mm (front) base

Dismounted Cav 2 figures 40 mm x 40 mm base

This is for 28 mm Bull Run to Gettysburg rule set.

goes for a lot of rules; Guns at Gettysburg etc...

[Rivera]

Thanks for the replies guys. 

I'm getting the idea that the amount of figures and size of bases is dependent on the rules set that you're playing and there is no general rule for figures in 28mm scale?

This is not as easy as it looks.

[sjwalker51]

Yes, basing is often dictated by the rules you intend to use but also by the type of game you want to play. Do you want to play 'big battles' or skirmish games, for example?

Skirmish games (rules like Sharp Practice or Brother against Brother) usually need individually based figures - I mount mine on 1p or 2p coins, depending on the size of the base (I see you are in Lowestoft) and then use movement trays from Warbases as proxy stands when I want to play larger games.

Which rules you use for large battles (Fire & Fury are one of the most popular for ACW in the UK) is also dependent on what your opponents/local club are accustomed to using - and if you're just getting into the hobby, joining a local club is a great way of picking up the basics.

I've not visited them, but I hear good things about the clubs at New Buckenham and the Coltishall Cowards near Norwich, both of which have a strong tradition of historical gaming (rather than Games Workshop type 'fantasy')games). Both are easily googled.

Let us know how you get on!

[Shipka]

Keep in mind rules that are based around elements then the number of figs per base are just for looks