War of Spanish Succession Naval @ 1/4800

Last Sunday (27th April that is), I headed to Julian's for another day of wonderful boating. This time it was a test run using his recently acquired and painted 1/4800th ships for actions of the early 18thC, War of Spanish Succession in particular.

We had intended to try out the rules 'General at Sea' (circa 2003), but a read through highlighted several deficits in relation to the way we want to represent these actions.

In the introduction, the author states, “In developing these rules I have drawn on lessons from the more recent spate of land rules that have used brigades as the basic unit and have applied them to naval warfare.” This was ominous.

Reading on, “Each stand represents between 3–4 rated vessels or 4–6 galleys.” Oh dear. This is a completely arbitrary grouping of ships; besides the fact that we definitely want a set that uses ships at 1:1.

It continues. Stands have a combat value based on the ships in the group. Not too bad, I guess, but a level of abstraction that we do not need?

Command and control is by command points. You guessed it, different types of manoeuvres cost different numbers of points. The speed of said manoeuvres is determined by aspect to the wind (yippee, some nautical flavour at last).

Combat “…reflects firing of guns, and at close range, both firing and boarding.” What?!

So, Julian made the executive decision that we'd use the tried and true "Grand Fleet Actions in the Age of Sail" and see what they produce in comparison to Napoleonic naval. He had been seeking an alternative set of rules simply to have a difference for a different period. Perhaps that difference could be obtained with the same 'horse'?

The actions of this period were MASSIVE, hundreds of ships per side, so for this test Julian set up a substantial, small action with five squadrons at sea.

Two squadrons of Danish at top, two of English in the centre and one of French lower left of photo. Positions after four moves. Wind coming from the right (West), so the English were initially running close to the wind, but would have the wind advantage for the entire action.

By turn 8, the Danish (right) and English squadrons had contacted. French a long way off.

First broadside. I mis-timed my attempt to cross the Danish line, so poor little 'Hampshire' copped it, losing some guns/crew (one gunnery factor).

The action developed, Rooke's lead squadron running down the Danish port, while Hopsonn took his squadron to their starboard.

Broadsides a plenty! Several Danish ships came under fire from two opponents.  The 'Droning Lvisa' tested for morale, but her remaining, brave crew did not strike, despite substantial damage and loss of crew-mates.

The fleets drew apart, save for a few parting shots (which we did not bother to calculate).

Another view of the same. Being too far away and at a disadvantage with the wind, the French fleet (top right) arrived after the action had ended. Likely a good thing for them as their small ships would not have fared well.

It was a fine little action, a good work out for the rules and enjoyable to boot!

"Grand Fleet Actions..." came through again. Sufficient 'nautical bits' to make them worthwhile using, picking up the difference 'tween the smaller, less well armed ships of this period and those of the later century/Napoleonic era and easily able to work through an action of 11 turns with 23 ships in just a few hours [we spent much of the time discussing, musing, checking details of ships, actions and commanders]. After three turns of intense exchange of broadsides the ships were damaged, but none had struck and most were still 'going concerns'. Had this been a Napoleonic action, several ships would have been dismasted, likely at least two struck and generally more damage and mayhem.

Another wonderful day and game. Thanks so much Julian and to you both for your always marvellous hospitality.

About the game

Rules: Grand Fleet Actions in the Age of Sail, edition 2.1, 2013

Nominal scale: turns represent ~10 minutes, ground scale 1/4800 (1 mm to 4.8 m)

Ships: 1/4800 scale Tumbling Dice

Next up, a Second World War surface action, perhaps testing a few sets and even a couple of actions? I will find out more on the 18th!

Meanwhile, I have succumbed completely and have unleashed my latent and long-held interest in carrier actions of the Pacific/north-east Indian Oceans.

Unpainted ships on a white ocean. Shokaku in the foreground, supported by Yahagi to her port and Kiso to starboard (not the greatest choices for supporting ships but, devotees close your eyes, I'll happily utilise them as generic light cruisers). At the rear, HMAS Australia, adapted from the kit of HMS Kent. Next builds in boxes in the background. The splashes of paint are some undercoat slapped on (literally) for those areas that would be difficult to access once built and to provide some 'stickiness' so that main guns can turn (which seems to have worked).

I have really enjoyed making these kits, the first ships that I have built in some 45 years, and am looking forward to the others. I used to make a lot of kits as a young fella (mainly planes of the Second World War, plus a few jets, the odd ship). Five years ago I made my first planes in years (First World War models) and enjoyed it immensely. I have not got back to paint these nor to build the others that I purchased back then, but am spurred on to do so; once this spate of ships are completed. That will be a little while.

Even though I am focussing on the carriers, plus, perhaps, a few destroyers, they have already 'exploded' in number. Another six are on the way this week. There won't be any more until kits for the early Japanese carriers are re-stocked (scheduled for August). I have four of them and four of the remaining later war carriers in mind(!). That will mean that, between us, we'll have the Japanese covered, as well as the early US, but leaves the numerous Essex-class plus several US light carriers. (Julian is focussing on surface ships, but is also looking at the Med. and Atlantic!). All in good time and after we have honed rules/a system to re-fight the actions, using 1/700 for the 'zoomed in' bits and Julian's 1/6000 for a larger representation.