Newest Venture in ACW gaming

This past year I returned to ACW mini gaming when I discovered Regimental Fire and Fury as I posted in a previous blog.  When re-building my armies I went with 10mm scale that I had to paint and base for the most part.  Even though I went with a modest sized force to start with is still took a couple months to complete my armies of Infantry and Artillery to get ready for my first skirmish.  Unfortunately news of my current deployment came about that time, so my armies are now on furlough until I return.

Recently as I explored the web and some of my favorite gaming forums I discovered an exciting new product line in ACW mini gaming, pre-painted ACW armies.  WOW!  If you have read some of my other posts you know I am a fan of the pre-painted play out of the box games like Axis and Allies Minis.  Now someone is making a ACW version.

The company, Gordon and Hague Historical War games, is a small start up created by a fellow gamer and history enthusiast who recognized the need and is trying to fill the gap for gamers like me who love to play, but lack the time to build and paint armies due to other demands in life.  The comapny currently offers a full line of ACW figures which includes Infantry, Cavalry, Artillery, Militia, Scouts, Command stands and Generals for each side.  To top it off the scale is 10mm which will hopefully blend in with my current armies at home.  Apparently things have been going well as they sold out of their inital offerings of Army boxes and are preparing to expand their ACW line up with a series two (New Paint schemes).  They are also looking expand with new historical unit specific figues as well as launch a American Revolution series as well.

Link to Web Site:
http://www.gordonandhague.com/Details.cfm?ProdID=39&category=4

Additionally, they offer a set of rules to compliment the ACW minis (Severed Union) as a free down loadable PDF.  At first read they are a nice simple set of rules that would work well for a new gamer or a veteran who just wants something less complex.  The file is very professional looking with an excellent layout full of color pics and exmaples. When printed it makes a nice book that one would expect to pay $15-20 for at a local games shop all for free.

I have been in contact with the company founder and game designer and offered some recommendations to modify the rules slightly which have been well received.  In the coming weeks there will be a updated version made available which will include a Quick Reference Sheet/Player Aid I helped design.

Example from Web Site

Needless to say I could not resist the temptation to place an order and check this product out myself despite being overseas right now.  Based on the pictures the minis look amazing.  They only offer a few basic poses currently, but this is true of many 10mm lines as at that scale there is only so much detail that can be offered.  Besides no ones else is offering pre-painted minis. One thing they offer that I did not have yet is Cavalry both mounted and dismounted.  At 45% off the current Series one blister packs in stock I could not stop myself from buying some as those prices are comparable to unpainted figures.  In the coming weeks they will be re-stocking and offering complete series two army packs again so a new gamer can start playing right out of the box with little to no prep time.  Additionally, the Web site offers some nice tutorials for those that cannot resist the urge to customize their figures.

In a couple weeks I hope to have my order and be able to test play theses rules using some of the modifications I suggested with some of my fellow soldiers and provide the company more feedback.

As with many companies these days they are also on facebook, so you can follow their progress on upcoming lines as well a make suggestions on what you would like to see in the future.

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Gordon-Hague-Wargames/168633133185604?sk=app_112078882147346

I thought I would be able to stay away from gaming during this deployment, but I guess that was to much to ask.  Besides everyone needs to take a break once in awhile. :)

A full review will be coming your way when my armies arrive.